By Rey Danseco

FORMER two-time world champion Gerry Penalosa revealed his next fight has moved a week later against a new possible formidable opponent.

The 36-year old resident of Better Living, Paranaque City, Metro Manila has advised us that his planned Aug. 29 appearance has been postponed to Sept. 4.

The Filipino southpaw assured the fight will definitely be staged in Metro Manila or a nearby province like Antipolo City in Rizal. Araneta Coliseum – venue of ‘Thrila n Manila’ -- is the leading choice as the possible venue.

Penalosa (54-7-2, 36 KOs) said the three boxers in his “hit list”, Jorge “Travieso” Arce (52-5-1, 40 KOs) and Daniel Ponce De Leon (36-2, 31 KOs) of Mexico or Eric Morel (41-2, 21 KOs) of Puerto Rico were all ruled out of the picture.

“They are looking for other opponents, I think they’re afraid,” said Penalosa. “That’s why they are looking for another big name in the business.”

The former World Boxing Council super flyweight and World Boxing Organization bantamweight champion revealed he might fight Vic Darchinyan, who recently failed in his attempt to claim his third world title in different weight division.

"They have offered Darchinyan,” said Penalosa. “We’re waiting for their reply until next week.”

Impresario Rex “Wakee” Salud, a confidant of pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao, confirmed the on-going negotiations between Penalosa’s camp and Darchinyan’s American promoter Gary Shaw of Totowa, New Jersey.

“Arce, Morel and De Leon are not available that’s why Darchinyan has come in the picture,” said Penalosa, who wants to entertain a “world title fight only”.

Darchinyan remains world super flyweight champ despite losing to Joseph Agbeko. But the IBF wants him to fight mandatory challenger Simphiwe Nongqayi of South Africa.

Darchinyan called out WBO super flyweight champion Jose Lopez recently. But Lopez is reportedly signed a deal to fight someone. If that happens, Darchinyan will probably decide who will be be his next foe.

Penalosa stays in his fighting form by regularly working out in his gym in Kalentong, Mandaluyong City. He hits the road every morning in Better Living.

“I keep my weight at 128 pounds, exactly 10 pounds over my fighting weight (bantamweight),” he said.

Penalosa said, he can beat those four boxers should the fight happen in bantamweight.

“As long as the fight is in my division (118 lbs) nobody can beat me, even Darchinyan who I think will give me a good fight although I know I will win by knockout or decision,” said Penalosa.