By Jake Donovan

Dodie Boy Peñalosa Jr. won't make it to a world title as quickly as his father, but an ambitious schedule still lies ahead for the second-generation boxer from Cebu, Philippines.

After 14 months of inactivity, Peñalosa Jr. (13-0, 12KOs) is ready to get back in the mix. The unbeaten super bantamweight returns this weekend in Norfolk, Virginia, marking his first bout since he and his brother Dave Peñalosa signed with top-shelf manager Cameron Dunkin, who is among the very best at developing a fighter from prospect to contender to champion. 

First up is a four-round bout this weekend just to get reacclimated to the ring, but just the starting point of big things to come in the next few months.

“Dodie Boy is on the fast track.  We are going to finish what we started with him in the (TKO Boxing) days,” said Dunkin of the young fighter’s career trajectory.  

Hailing from a fighting family, Peñalosa Jr.  has stiff competition just among his loved ones. His father, Dodie Sr. was the first-ever fighter from Philippines to win championships in two weight classes, claiming the then-brand new IBF junior flyweight title in just his 14th pro fight (where Peñalosa Jr.  is at in his career) before moving up to flyweight where he won a second title.

His uncle, Gerry Peñalosa is also a former two-time champion, having won belts at super flyweight and more memorably his body-shot knockout of Jhonny Gonzalez to win the bantamweight title in their Aug. '07 HBO-televised bout. 

While the 24-year old souhtpaw isn't quite at the title stage yet, the intention is to pile up enough wins and ring experience in a short amount of time to help expedite that procoess.

“He’s going to fight as often as possible,” Dunkin promises. “This is how a guy turns into a fighter. He gets in the ring and fights. This is how I want to be moving my fighters. Dodie Boy, Dave Penalosa, John Joe Nevin – they will be on the same track.” said Dunkin.  “We want to sign fighters we can move and get into a position to win a title.” 

Jake Donovan is the managing editor of krikya360.com.
Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
Facebook Page: JakeBScene