By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Former two division world champion Gerry Penalosa who celebrated trainer Freddie Roach regarded as the best Filipino boxer technically, said he expects his talented, undefeated nephews Dodie Boy Penalosa Jr and younger brother Dave to prove themselves when they face separate opponents in an exciting fight card at the Mandaluyong City Gym on July 26.
Strengthening the attraction of the fight card which is expected to draw a big crowd as it did when a young Manny Pacquiao carved a name for himself at the same venue, will be an eagerly awaited showdown between former two-time world title challenger Bernabe “The Real Deal” Concepcion and former world rated southpaw Eden Sonsona who demonstrated his explosiveness while fighting on a Pacquiao undercard in Las Vegas.
Penalosa was with Viva Sports when Dodie Boy Jr and Concepcion sparred six rounds marked by some ferocious exchanges that clearly indicated both fighters were ready to wage war in the ring on July 26.
Dodie Boy Jr faces rugged Indonesian Yon Armed who is known as an aggressive, come-forward type of fighter who should give the son of former two division world champion Dodie Boy Penalosa an acid test.
Younger brother Dave will face dangerous Garibay who trains in Baguio City and is well prepared for his showdown with the talented Dave.
Gerry Penalosa told krikya360.com/Manila Standard/Viva Sports he was impressed and pleased with the sparring of the Penalosa brothers and singled out Concepcion and Dodie Boy Jr who “are friends outside but gave it all in six rounds of solid sparring.”
He said Co1ncepcion who is coming back after a one year layoff is in fine shape and he and Dodie Boy Jr “waged war in the ring” even though it was only a sparring session.
Penalosa said he expects the Concepcion-Sonsona clash to be “a fantastic fight” and with a large crowd of fight fans in attendance he expects a night of great fights because fighters like to see many fans.