By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Former amateur standout Dodie Boy Penalosa Jr is set to make his U.S debut on the Andre Ward (20-0, 13 KO’s) and Allam Green (29-1, 20 KO’s) undercard of the Six World Boxing Classic’s second round in Oakland, California on June 19.
WBA super flyweight interim champion Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire told us that the scheduled May 8 debut of the son of the former two-division wold champion Dodie Boy Penalosa was called off after the Florida Commission "at the last minute didn’t let the opponent fight because he had a lot of losses."
Donaire whose manager Cameron Dunkin signed up Penalosa jr said that Ward was a close friend and he was hoping to get Penalosa Jr on that card.
Donaire said he wants "to get Dodie Boy Jr a lot of wins to give him confidence."
He said Penalosa Jr was "getting better, he already throws the jab well, he’s getting more power now as well as speed."
Penalosa Jr has been sparring with super flyweight Bruno Escalante and occasionally with him. Donaire said he was looking to bring in more sparring partners t work out with Dodie Boy Jr.
The southpaw scored a 2nd round knockout over Anthony Balubar in his pro debut last January 23 at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.