Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

LOS ANGELES – Ask Gerry Penalosa and he’ll tell you he still feels like a young contender.

After 63 fights, 57 of which were wins, and three world title championships, Penalosa may be in the last leg of his 20-year-career but he doesn’t feel that way.

Many felt that after Penalosa suffered a TKO loss against rising superstar Juan Manuel Lopez last year that the 37-year-old former WBO Super Bantamweight Champion would retire.

But Penalosa wants one more title shot and is still looking like a very capable contender after a recent workout at the Wildcard Boxing Club in Los Angeles.

Penalosa will have another shot at a world title as he gears up for an Interim WBO Bantamweight title shot against Puerto Rican Eric Morel at the Las Vegas Hilton on February 13.

Penalosa is among three other Filipino boxers headlining Top Rank’s Pinoy Power boxing event at the Las Vegas Hilton.

And all three Pinoy boxers in one-way or another have something to prove.

IBF and IBO Flyweight titlist Nonito Donaire Jr. hopes to continue his winning streak; rising prospect Bernabe Concepcion, fighting against Mario Santiago, will try to rebound from an embarrassing disqualification lost to Steven Luevano; and Penalosa will try to turn back time and recapture a title.

Despite being on the wrong side of 30 in a punishing sport, Penalosa said he has no plans for farewell fights or retirement any time soon.

He wants another shot at glory.

"I really love boxing. As long as people want to see me fight I can give honor to my country and of course, I always do," he said in an interview with the Asian Journal.

His trainer Freddie Roach has different plans for Penalosa.