Chance to train with Pacman also up for Dodie Jr.

CEBU, Philippines - Aside from the plan to bring him to the U.S to fight in a bigger stage, unbeaten Dodie Peñalosa Jr. will also get a chance to train beside Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao, who recently started his training camp in Baguio City.

  Peñalosa is being eyed as one of the Filipino boxers, who will fight in the undercard of the highly-anticipated WBO welterweight title defense of Pacquiao against undefeated American Timothy Bradley on June 9 in Las Vegas.

  But first, the former amateur standout must claim a convincing win against Indonesian veteran Alex Buckie in the main event of “Dugong Kampeon V” tomorrow night at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex.

  “I already talked to Manny and he guaranteed a slot for Dodie Boy in the undercard of his June fight,” said former boxing champion turned promoter Gerry Peñalosa during a press conference yesterday at the Mandaue City Hall conference room.

“Dodie Boy also might get a chance to join Manny in his training in Baguio if he can finish the fight early and if he can leave the ring without any serious injury,” he said.

“It will be a very big thing for my nephew because he will get an opportunity to be trained by Freddie Roach.”

While he is inspired, the younger Peñalosa also admitted that he is now feeling the pressure to deliver an impressive win against Buckie, who he considers as one of the biggest tests in his young career.

  “I feel a little pressure coming to this fight because I must prove that I deserve a chance to fight in the undercard of Manny,” he said.

In the supporting events of the GerryPens Promotion and GMA-7 boxing event, former WPBF featherweight titlist Michael Farenas will slug it out against Negros Oriental brawler Jason Egera, while Dodie Boy’s younger brother Dave Peñalosa will face JR Salvador of Mandaue City.

The official weigh-in is set this 11 a.m. at the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) office.

  Meanwhile tickets are reasonably priced at P400 for ringside, P200 for upperbox and P100 for general admission. – (FREEMAN)