NO QUESTION about it.
Gerry Penalosa is fearless. He wore that label with dignity up to the end on Sunday against Eric Morel of Puerto Rico – even as Gerry dropped a split decision loss.
Gerry was as fearless as Custer of the West in that ill-fated fight where he absorbed two head butts that transformed his face into a grotesque, bloody mask.
Light a candle for gallantry.
When most 37-year-olds are happily reminiscing on their past glorious moments, here is Gerry: At 37, he is still fighting – fighting the demons of his mind.
Gerry has already achieved what every fighter has dreamed to achieve: Win a world crown.
And Gerry has not only won one crown but two.
When many other champs would be happy with just one – and Gerry has, repeat, two – exclude Gerry.
Gerry remains unsatisfied, has remained insatiable all these years.
He yearns for that recognition that has become as elusive as the Holy Grail.
Twice earlier, under Wakee Salud and Rudy Salud, Gerry fought for a world crown. Gerry lost both.
Each time, I was right there – one in Seoul, South Korea, another in Yokohama, Japan.
While I keep saying Gerry has the most beautiful footwork, the most perfect combination of punches, the most scientific body movements, I also keep saying destiny seems unkind to him.
He’s been in fights he was supposed to win. Alas, he lost many of them in a 54-8-2, win-loss-draw record.
He appeared to be winning when we were in Seoul for a world title fight in 1997. He lost.
He appeared to be winning, too, when we fought in Yokohama in 1999. He lost.
There were others of that sort, the last one being against Morel on Valentine’s Day in Las Vegas.
Against Morel, Gerry fought in his usual brave stance.
But, again, fate was unkind.
Crazy you might say, but he seems to be the only brave heart destined to lose.
I love Gerry the way many of you love his gallant, unrelenting and unbowed ways.
Goody, Gerry’s wife, knows that by heart – Goody being almost a part of my own family.
She very well knows, too, that it had been my wish all this time for Gerry to leave boxing.
Listen to your heart, Gerry, if not your mind.
For, to be fearless is to also know when to call it a day.