NEGRENSE boxer Carlo Caesar Peñalosa vowed to do his best when he battles Mexican Maximino Flores for the vacant IBO world flyweight championship today at the TV5 Studio in Novaliches, Quezon City.
This will be the first shot of the San Carlos City, Negros Occidental native at a world championship after previously winning the WBC Asian Boxing Council flyweight belt.
The 26-year-old Peñalosa, nephew of former world champions Dodie Boy and Gerry Peñalosa, said he will not waste the rare opportunity to fight for a world boxing championship.
“This fight is the biggest challenge of my life,” Carlo Caesar said. “This is a world championship. It’s the biggest test in my boxing career and it is also my first time to face a Mexican boxer.”
Flores, for his part, said he is not bothered to be fighting for a world championship at the enemy’s territory. He promised to put on a show in front of the Filipino boxing fans.
“I am physically and mentally prepared. It doesn’t matter what the judges will say. It is up to them,” Flores said. “Even if (Carlo Caesar) wins, as long as I win the hearts of the fans, it is okay with me.”
Peñalosa will be entering the match with a 14-1-0 win-loss-draw ring record, including seven stoppage wins.
The 28-year-old Flores has 24-4-1 boxing slate, with 17 knockout wins.
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Columbian Dyip has granted the trade request of veterans Russel Escoto and Jerramy King by sending them to the NorthPort Batang Pier as part of a two-team, five-player swap.
In a transaction approved by the PBA Commissioner’s Office on Friday, the Dyip is sending Escoto and King to the Batang Pier for Lervin Flores, Joseph Gabayni and Juan Miguel Tiongson.
For Tiongson, it will be his second time in the span of a few days to be traded. He was sent by NLEX Road Warriors to the Batang Pier for bruiser Michael Miranda on Tuesday.
Escoto reportedly requested the Dyip management for the trade after failing to get minutes in his three years with the squad, while King also wanted out as he desired to play for the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings.
The arrival of Escoto and King to the Batang Pier will be a huge lift for head coach Alfredo Jarencio after their strong start in the Commissioner’s Cup ended in the quarterfinals due to inexperience.
Flores and Gabayni, for their part, will also be a huge help to the young Dyip as they will join its young frontline featuring Aklanon Andreas Cahilig, Jonjon Gabriel and rookie Jeepy Faundo.
Tiongson meanwhile, is expected to provide veteran leadership to Dyip’s backcourt featuring Reden Celda, Rashawn McCarthy, and Negrense rookie John Paul Calvo, who is nursing an injury./PN
