Peñalosa vows to make RP proud in final bout

Given a second chance to fight in Zamboanga City, former two-time world division champion Gerry Peñalosa promised not to let Zamboangeños and the entire country down when he faces Thailand's Yodsaenkeng Kietmangmee on Sunday.

Both Peñalosa and Kietmangmee cleared the 118-lb weight limit during Saturday’s weigh-in at the Grand Astoria Hotel.

The10-round non-title bout, which also features Michael Fareñas and Jimrex Jaca against separate Korean opponents in the undercard, will be held at the Zamboanga City Coliseum in Zamboanga City.

Fareñas faces Jung-Hoon Kim while Jaca battles Jong-Yoon Choi in the two other 10-round non-title matches of the “Golpe Golpe na Zamboanga: The Last Hurrah" fight event.

Five years ago, Peñalosa (54-8-2 with 36 knockouts) was scheduled to fight in Zamboanga City, but the match was cancelled following a bombing incident.

Now, Peñalosa hopes to end his colorful 21-year boxing career on a high note, and he is dedicating the fight to former International Boxing Federation (IBF) super flyweight contender Z "The Dream" Gorres, whose boxing career ended with a brain injury following his 10-round unanimous decision victory against Colombian Luis Melendez last year.

Peñalosa said part of his prize money will be given to Gorres to help the former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental bantamweight champion with his medical expenses.

While Kietmangmee (12-2-0 with 8 KOs) appeared in great shape during the weigh -n, Peñalosa looked weak and dehydrated as he stepped on the weighing scale.

Peñalosa, however, assured his family and Filipino fans that he’ll give his best in his farewell fight.

Jon Perez, GMA News