The stage is set for the International Boxing Organization world flyweight title clash between Filipino Carlo Peñalosa and Mexican Maximino Flores at the TV5 Studio on Saturday in Novaliches.
The 26-year-old Peñalosa, nephew of former two-division world champions Dodie Boy and Gerry Peñalosa, said the fight is the biggest challenge of his life.
“This is a world championship. It’s my biggest challenge. It’s the first time I’m facing a Mexican,” he told the PSA Forum at Amelie Hotel in Manila.
Peñalosa carries a 14-1 record with seven knockouts.
The 28-year-old Flores, who will challenge Peñalosa for the vacant IBO flyweight crown, also graced the forum presented by San Miguel Corp., Braska Restaurant, Amelie Hotel and Pagcor.
The more experienced boxer with a record of 24-4-1 and 17 knockouts, Flores said he trained three months for the fight.
“I’m physically and mentally prepared. It doesn’t matter what the judges will say. It’s up to them. Even if he (Peñalosa) wins as long as I win the hearts of the fans, it’s okay with me,” said Flores through an interpreter.
Also gracing the forum were the four finalists of the Ultimate Boxing Series: Kamaong Pinoy, a reality show put up by Gerry Peñalosa's boxing promotions company and fully backed by TV5.
“This is our way of giving young and promising boxers a break as we search for our new boxing heroes,” said Peñalosa of the series that began four months ago with over a hundred undefeated boxers.
It’s now down to four—April Jay Abne and Ronel Sumalpong for the UBS flyweight title, and Lienard Sarcon and Aljum Pepesio for the bantamweight crown.
The event is free to the public.