Peñalosa faces Mexican in March

AFTER an impressive performance in his US debut, Dodie Boy Peñalosa Jr. is once again tested by possibly one of his toughest opponents to date.

“I have no idea because I have not seen his opponent yet,” retired two-division world champion Dodie Boy Sr., Dodie Boy Jr.’s father and coach, told Sun.Star Cebu.

Dodie Boy Jr. is gunning for a regional title on March 23 at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City against 21-year-old Mexican Lizandro de los Santos.

Despite Dodie Boy Jr.’s second-round knockout over Jesus Lule at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in the undercard of Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez fourth encounter, his father still feels that the younger Peñalosa still has a lot to improve to become one of the elite fighters.

“We have to master his defense and his footwork,” said Dodie Boy Sr.

Following an impressive amateur career, Dodie Boy Jr. opened up the pro ranks with a second round stoppage over Anthony Balubar back 2010. He won his next nine fights all by knockout for an impressive 10-0 record with 10 knockouts.

In spite of his young age, de los Santos has already seen everything and has had 29 fights in a career that started six years ago. He is 19-10 with seven knockouts and has already fought the likes of former world champion Ivan Hernandez, one-time world title challenger Arturo Badillo and world-rated Alejandro Lopez.