By Ramon Hough

Photo: Chris Cozzone

Almost four years ago Filipino icon, Manny Pacquiao, burst onto the international boxing scene with an upset win over future hall-of-famer Marco Antonio Barrera of Mexico. Since then, Pacquiao has solidified his status as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world and possibly the best prize fighter to ever come out of the Philippines.

Pacquaio's success has brought more focus onto Filipino boxing as it seems more Filipino fighters are getting more television exposure and fighting for world titles. But while Pacquiao's accomplishments have opened up more opportunities internationally, success isn't new to Filipino boxers. In fact, the Philippines has been producing world champions since 1923 when Pancho Villa became the first Filipino world champion ever. In the 1950's through 1960's, Gabriel 'Flash' Elorde dominated the 130 pound division winning multiple world championships. And more recently Luisito Espinosa and Gerry Penalosa also held world titles. Their success, while not high-profile internationally, may have laid the groundwork for Pacquiao's eventual superstardom.

Gerry Penalosa became a world champion 10 years ago. He held the title for about a year and a half, successfully defending it four times before finally losing it in 1998. After the death of his father, Penalosa briefly retired from the sport. But needing a challenge, he decided to fight again. For the most part, Penalosa's comeback has been successful as his only loss came via controversial decision to Ponce DeLeon in a title match last March.

On Saturday August 11th, Penalosa will attempt to win a second world title when he takes on Jhonny Gonzalez of Mexico. The fight will be televised on HBO as part of the Boxing World Cup: Mexico vs. Philippines.

The 34-year-old Penalosa recently spoke to Fightnews. Here is what he had to say:

Photo: Chris Cozzone

You turned pro when you were 16 and you've been fighting for 18 years. But you retired for awhile, why did you stop boxing?

At that time, my father died so I decided to stop fighting because, at first, I loved boxing. My father was always really happy especially if I won the fights. So when he wasn't there, I decided to call it quits.

Many boxers retire and decide to come out of retirement. Sometimes, it's for the money, sometimes it's for the glory, and other times I think boxers feel like they're missing something when they're not boxing anymore. Why did you come out of retirement?

It was hard to stop boxing because I love it very much. Besides, I wanted to give more time to myself to challenge the best in boxing so I'm here right now. I want to fight the best here in America. Before, I fought mostly in Asian countries. I want to be known not only in Asia but also throughout the world.

You were a world champion, winning your first world title in 1997. Your father was a fighter… your brother was a fighter. What was that like for you and your family when you became a world champion?

It was a great honor…for my family, my country, and my self. I'm so proud of it.

You talked about wanting to be known. Manny Pacquiao is basically an icon in the Philippines. He meets the Philippine president after fights. He has tons of endorsements. He's also become a superstar outside the country. With that, it seems that more Filipino boxers are getting big opportunities here in the U.S. What effects has his success had on your career?

Pacquiao is a big help for boxing. He opened the door for Filipino boxers, giving encouragement and exposure to us. He's a really big help for Filipino boxers.

In your last fight, you took on Ponce De Leon of Mexico for his world title. The fight was on pay-per-view. Many, if not most, people who were in attendance and most people who watched the fight thought you won although the judges ruled it in DeLeon's favor. What are your thoughts on that fight and did you feel robbed?

Yes, I really thought that I won that fight, but I maybe I didn't convince the judges. But I respect their decision. I take it as a challenge again. In order to win the title, I have to knock the champion out. It's so hard to win decisions here, especially fighting a champion.

In your next fight, you're taking on Jhonny Gonzalez who is a well-regarded fighter. He's won more than 30 fights. What do you know about him?

He's a good boxer. He's a tall fighter…he's a good one. But in boxing, anything can happen and I've practiced hard for this fight because I really want to win.

You began your career around the time of Luisito Espinosa who was also a world champion. You both fought mostly in Asia, but you both got some limited exposure here in the U.S. Do you ever look back and wonder what your career would've been like if you'd gotten the exposure that Filipinos are getting now?

Although it's the past already, I always wanted to fight here in America but my manager then didn't want me to. I wanted to fight here and fight the best…that's why I'm here now.

Speaking of Luisito Espinosa, he ended up getting knocked out brutally a few times towards the end of his career and probably fought for too long. You've been in the game for 18 years already, how much longer do you think you'll continue boxing?

I'm not getting any younger so maybe three fights at the most. If I become champion again, I want to fight DeLeon again if he wins his next fight. First, I have to beat Jhonny Gonzalez.

You were a world champion before and you came very close to winning another world title in your last fight. How important is it for you to win another world title?

Boxing people in Philippines love to see boxers with title belts. When I was young, one of my missions was to become a world champion. When I won the title, it was a great honor for my country, my family, and me. I'm so proud and happy for that. So that's what I'm trying to win again now.

Your fight on August 11th is part of the World Cup of Boxing: Mexico vs. Philippines. On one hand, you're fighting for yourself and the world title. But on the other, a victory for you will help your country win the trophy. How important is it for you to be fighting for your country?

It's so important because we're fighting for the Philippines. Everyone in the Philippines will be watching this and I want to make them happy.

A lot of Filipino boxers still live in the Philippines, but come to the U.S. to train. You'd mentioned that you have a five-year-old and a seven-year-old. How difficult is it for you to be away from your family?

That's sacrifice. I do miss my kids, friends, and my country so it's hard. But in boxing, you have to make sacrifices.

You've been fighting for 18 years and you'd said that you'll probably only fight a few more times. What do you plan to do when you retire?

I have some fighters right now and I have my own gym. After I retire, I want to concentrate on being a manager or promoter…as long as I'm involved with boxing because I love the sport.

You've fought all over the world…the Philippines, Japan, Korea, and the U.S. You've been a world champion and you have an opportunity to become a world champion again on August 11. What has boxing done for you and your life? And did you ever see boxing taking you this far when you first got started?

I love this sport. Like I said before, it was a great honor for me to become a world champion. I hope I will be a champion again so my dream will be fulfilled. Even though I'm happy already, I want to bring more honor to my country and be a champion again.

When all is said and done in your career, what will you remember most and how would you like to be remembered?

I want people to remember me not only a boxer or former champion, I want to be remembered as one of the models of boxers. Besides a successful boxer, I want to be a successful businessman.

Do you have any final thoughts?

It's my pleasure to be here. I hope people will watch the fights on August 11 and that nothing happens to the boxers that night. And I hope that the Filipino people will be proud of us. Thank you.