by Ronnie Nathanielsz
Hard-hitting southpaw Michael Farenas has sparred eight rounds with Roger “Speedy” Gonzalez, a sparring partner of “Fighter of the Decade” Manny Pacquiao and former lightweight title challenger Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta at the Wild Card Gym of trainer Freddie Roach in Los Angeles during the past week.
A protégé of former two division world champion Gerry Penalosa, Farenas will face undefeated American Mark “Too Sharp” Davis who was previously an outstanding amateur in an eliminator for the No.2 IBF ranking.
The fight eliminator will take place at the Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut.
Penalosa said trainer Freddie Roach will begin working with Farenas who is currently being handled by Carl Penalosa and strength and conditioning coach Jay San Pedro, this week.
Penalosa said Farenas was “moving well and is feeling good” even as he added that Farenas is hungry for recognition and a world title shot.
The Farenas showdown with Davis is expected to be a real test for Farenas who, according to Penalosa, “wants to win. He hits hard and is hungry.”
The 29 year old Farenas (38-4-4, 30 KO’s) is currently ranked No. 4 by the IBF while the 27 year old Davis who is ranked No. 11, has a record of 18-0 with 5 knockouts.
