Peñalosa ready to rumble with Lopez behind enemy lines

MANILA, Philippines – With 22 years in the business, Gerry Peñalosa has seen enough fights that he feels undaunted facing fast-rising Puerto Rican KO artist Juan Manuel Lopez behind enemy lines.

According to PhilBoxing.com, Peñalosa and his team arrived in Puerto Rico from LA in high spirits Tuesday, six days before he challenges the WBO super-bantamweight champ Lopez (24-0-0, 22 KOs) who has vowed to give the ageless Filipino his first trip to the canvas when they meet.

"I will have surprises for Juan Manuel Lopez," said the 36-year-old Peñalosa (54-6-2, 36 KOs), who has viewed this new challenge as the “most important fight of my career."

Now in the twilight of his storied career, Peñalosa will be gunning to become a three-division titlist after conquests at superflyweight (for the WBC and WBF) and bantamweight (WBO).

He had previously vied for the WBO’s 122 diadem in 2007 against then champion Daniel Ponce de Leon but lost a controversial decision and Saturday’s try against the favored Lopez could very well be his ticket to the elusive crown.

Accompanying Peñalosa on his mission at the heart of the Lopez’s homeland were his manager Billy Keanne, and brothers/trainers Jonathan and Carl, along with his wife Goody and their two children Jessie Boy and Jolan, plus US-based supporter George Rufino and his daughter Grace, and PhilBoxing’s Dong Secuya.

Celebrated trainer Freddie Roach is set to join the gang on Friday, himself confident that “Fearless" Peñalosa has a shot at beating the young, unbeaten champion.

On Wednesday, Peñalosa will have a chance to check out Lopez when they face the press at the El San Juan Hotel and Casino.

Peñalosa seeks to make it three-for-three for Filipino fighters after compatriots Brian Viloria and Nonito Donaire, Jr. took care of business on their end last Sunday in Manila.

Viloria knocked out long-time champion Ulises Solis of Mexico in 11 to grab the IBF lightflyweight crown while Donaire stopped Raul Martinez in four to defend his IBF flyweight strap. –GMANews.TV