By Ronnie Nathanielsz

Former two division world champion Gerry Penalosa certainly knows his boxing. And if he’s excitement over the potential of his 21 year old nephew Dave Penalosa means anything, then the youngster is a fighter to watch.

The southpaw who is a super bantamweight with a record of 4-0 with 2 knockouts is expected to give fight fans a sample of what he is capable of when he faces Thailand’s Yodpichai Sithsaithong at the Mandaluyong Gym on Saturday.

A hotbed of boxing in Metro Manila, fans are expected to flock to  Mandaluyong City to check out the nephew of former world champion Dodie Boy Penalosa as he clashes with the 30 year old Thai who has a record of 7-5 with 3 knockouts.

For those who miss the action at the venue they can follow the fights on AKTV IBC 13 at 10:00 p.m.

Gerry Penalosa believes Dave is the complete package but to be able to deliver on his obvious potential he would have to be disciplined, work hard and stay focused and not think that just because he is a Penalosa he is automatically a world champion.

According to Gerry that comes with a combination of innate talent, dedication and hardwork.
In the co-main event another promising fighter who suffered a temporary setback after losing by a 9th round knockout to the bigger  Jonathan Oquendo in Puerto Rico on July 10, 2010 is slowly making a comeback after two successive victories.

Eden Sonsona who scored a majority ten round decision over Eman Labanza on August 6, 2011 followed by a 7th round TKO over Godwin Tubigon on October 1, 2011 has a record of 28-6 with 8 knockouts.

The stylish, 23 year old southpaw will face Thailand’s Petchnamnung Sithsaithong who boasts of 7 knockouts in 9 wins with 2 defeats.

He is coming off a 4th round TKO loss to Richard Betos last June 30.

Sonsona who twice fought on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao scored impressive wins in those fights. He won by a 2nd round TKO against Eilon Kedem at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on November 14, 2009 and then scored a smashing 8th round knockout against former world champion Maurico Pastrana who had actually passed his prime.