Peñalosa stops Thai foe, leaves boxing on a high note

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Two-time world boxing champion Gerry Peñalosa ended his career in a blaze of glory by stopping his Thai counterpart Yodsaengkeng Kiatmungmee at the 1:49 mark of the fourth round to the delight of some 7,000 fans that packed the Vitaliano Agan Stadium here. Using his superb skills in outfighting his Thai rival, the former World Boxing Council superflyweight and World Boxing Organization bantamweight title holder displayed his best in his farewell bout. The 38-year-old fighter confirmed his retirement from the sport after a glorious 21-year career. Gerry was the second world champion among the Peñalosa siblings, after older brother Dodie Boy. But the younger Peñalosa fought for a span of two decades, compiling a record of 55-8-2 with 37 KOs, and is considered as one of the greatest Filipino fighters ever. “It’s about time for me to leave boxing," said Peñalosa. “I think this is the best time for me to spend more time with my family." Peñalosa thanked the people who became a big part of his career -- Tony Aldeguer, Wakee Salud, Rudy Salud, Billy Keane, Freddie Roach, Manmy Pacquiao and San Miguel Corporation bossman Danding Cojuangco. Up against a younger Thai counterpart, Peñalosa was able to move around the ring and maintain his distance against the 22-year-old Yodsaengkeng, who tried to put the pressure in the early rounds against his more experienced foe. In the fourth round, the Filipino fighter unloaded a barrage of punches, including a stinging uppercut to the side of the body of Yodsaengkeng, who was sent to the canvass, prompting referee Rey Galarpe to stop the bout. The Thai even vomited on his corner as a result of the solid uppercut thrown by Peñalosa. “I studied his style. I knew he cannot take my punches because he always walked away every time I landed a punch, particularly in his body," said Peñalosa. In the undercard, lightweight Jimrex (The Executioner) Jaca of the ALA stable stopped Hao Han of China at 1:50 of the sixth round while Michael Farenas knocked out Thailand’s Sangpetch Patanakan at 1:31 of the first round. Jaca pounded Han right from the opening bell but couldn’t put down the durable Chinese. But the Chinese fighter suffered a broken nose caused by Jaca’s solid blows, forcing the referee to stop the fight in the sixth. - KY, Rey Joble, GMANews.TV