CHICAGO—His famous name. His family’s winning tradition. The quest for gold and glory. His place in the annals of boxing history. And that fabulous thing called pride.
Since turning pro in May 20, 1989, Gerry Penalosa always had several things to take care of besides the potential victim across the ring. Eighteen years and multiple world titles later, the story remains quite the same for the Cebuano from San Carlos City.
Gerry, a brilliant tactician with a 51-5-2 (34 KOs) slate, seeks another shot at immortality when he faces Daniel Ponce De Leon for the WBO and IBA superbantamweight titles this March 17 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
The mountain, however, just got a little steeper.
Gerry is 34. De Leon is 26. The Pinoy hero is a relative stranger in the 122-pound territory, while the Mexican is a natural at that weight, a beast who has only one loss and has 28 KOs in his 30 wins.
Reports from the Wild Card gym in LA indicate that Gerry is training with maniacal zeal, that he is ready, superbly conditioned, and is in the best shape of his life.
Although he doesn’t crave for one, Gerry just received extra motivation to beat De Leon. The boost came from his friend, former Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) chairman Atan Guardo.
“I’ll give Gerry P100,000 if beats De Leon. If he doesn’t, God forbid, he will still have my undying support and admiration. To me, Gerry’s a champ for life. He has done so much for the Philippines and this promised incentive is my way of saying thank you,” Guardo told Sun.Star Cebu.
Guardo is no stranger to helping athletes and their cause. He recently gave a modest check to Sally Mae Siso for her outstanding achievements in international tennis. And almost every day in Cebu, around the city and in far-flung barangays, Guardo-sponsored tournaments provide the wonderful sights and sounds of sports.
“I got a lot of flack in 2004, when I promised cash incentives to some swimmers, only to be embarrassed when the Cebu City Council didn’t approve my proposal. I would have gladly given the bonuses from my personal funds, but I decided against it because the city officials might misconstrue it as an act of defiance.”
Now emancipated from the clutches of bureaucratic red tape, Atan is a happy man. “It’s much simpler now. I can freely give those who deserve incentives. No paperwork, no worries.”
I called LA last night hoping to interview Gerry, but Disodado Gabi, who answered the phone, told me that Gerry was already asleep in his room at the ritzy Palazzo apartments along Sunset Blvd., the same dig Pacquiao uses when he’s in tinseltown.
Gerry is being paid handsomely by golden Boy Promotions to challenge De Leon. In the high five figures, said a source. Knowing Gerry, though, I’m sure he can somehow find a good way to spend Guardo’s $2,000.
STEPH’S DREAM TEAM. After meeting a bone specialist two days ago, mum is still the word as to whether Heat star Dwayne Wade will undergo surgery or opt for rehab to address his dislocated left shoulder.
“Either way, it’s not good for Miami,” said my pal Stephen Villamor of Steph V Trading and Realty in Villa Aurora, Mabolo. “Even if he chooses the six-week rehab, he can’t be 100 percent in the playoffs and the risk of re-injuring the shoulder is high. He should just go under the knife and play another day.”
Without Wade though, the Heat’s chances of defending their title slides from slim to none, Steph concedes. “But he has to think long-term. He’s only 25. Trading one lost season for the good health of several future seasons isn’t really a bad deal if you come to think of it.”
While Miami’s playoffs roster figures to be significantly lacking. Steph’s Dream Team is intact. He is happily married to Ana Auditor, a Leyte native, lovely and Ms. Cebu Tourism beautiful. The Villamors have four daughters — Angel, Nina, Stephanie and Amor.
“I’m terribly sad about the Heat’s plight, but my four queens and a lady comfort me all the time. Basketball is only a game. Family life is for real, and I’m truly blessed with mine,” says Steph, the wounded Heat fan.
HELP TINAGO. A ruthless fire raged in barangay Tinago a few days ago, its yellow, angry flames rendering several residents homeless. Joel Garganera, Tinago’s hardworking barangay captain, is asking for the public’s help.
I’m joining that appeal today. Please give whatever you can. Call telephone numbers 259-6667 and 256-3821. Look for Susan, the barangay secretary, or Flor and Yolly of the DSWS. Remember, it’s better to give than to receive.
(homsay@hotmail.com)
