The family of former World Boxing Council (WBC) International Flyweight champion Jonathan Peñalosa Sr. is urgently seeking help from friends, supporters, and the wider boxing community as he fights stage 4 colon cancer.
“We are reaching out with heavy hearts to ask for your urgent help and prayers for our father, Jonathan Peñalosa Sr.,” said his family in a heartfelt public appeal. “He recently underwent a critical surgery and has since been transferred from Manila to San Carlos Doctors Hospital, where he remains under intensive medical care.”
The family shared that mounting medical costs—including surgery, medications, hospital stays, and essential treatments—have placed an overwhelming financial burden on them.
“Despite all our efforts, we’ve reached a point where we can no longer carry the burden alone,” they added. “We humbly ask for any financial support you can offer. No amount is too small. Your generosity will help our father continue receiving the treatment and care he so urgently needs. Most of all, we ask for your continued prayers for his healing, strength, and hope during this incredibly difficult time.”
Peñalosa is the brother of former world champion Gerry Peñalosa. As a respected coach, Jonathan played a key role in training several boxers, including Eman Bacosa—son of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao—and even contributed to Pacquiao’s preparations in many of his championship bouts.
“Coach Jonathan Peñalosa was part of my team during my 2nd to 4th professional fights. Thank you, Coach Sharp Ari Peñalosa, get well soon. God bless you,” Bacosa shared in a social media tribute.
Jonathan Peñalosa retired with a professional boxing record of 15 wins, four losses, and one draw.