BOXING legend Manny Pacquiao took time out from his hectic campaign schedule to visit longtime trainer and friend Jonathan Penalosa, who is battling stage 4 colon cancer.
The 46-year-old Pacquiao, who is seeking to regain a Senate seat in next month’s national elections, posted on social media a recent visit to the ailing former boxer and trainer currently confined in a Bacolod City hospital after undergoing surgery.
“Please join me in praying for Jonathan Penalosa Sr. Isa po siya sa mga matagal ko nang trainers at kaibigan,” said the only eight-division world champion following his visit to the Bacolod City Riverside Hospital.
“Ipagdasal din natin ang buong pamilya niya sa panahon na ito. Patuloy tayong naniniwala sa kagalingan at kalakasan na galing sa Diyos.”
Apart from the photo showing his visit to the hospital, Pacquiao also posted past pictures of him training with Penalosa here in the country and at the Wild Card gym in Hollywood, California.
A member of the famous Penalosa boxing clan, Jonathan was among the battery of local trainers Pacquiao had in several of his marquee fights including title bouts against Tim Bradley, Jeff Horn, and Lucas Matthysse, among others.
He also trained the Filipino boxing great during his six-round exhibition match against South Korean martial artist DK Yoo in 2022.
Penalosa fought as a pro from 1985 to 1993 and once vied for the WBA flyweight crown in 1992, losing via a sixth-round knockout to Yong Kang Kim at the Incheon Indoor gymnasium in South Korea.
He is one three fighting Penalosa brothers of patriarch Carl Penalosa, a two-time Philippine super-lighweight champion. His two brothers Dodie ‘Boy’ Penalosa and Gerry Penalosa, were both two-time world champions.
Jonathan’s career record stood at 15-4-1 (7 KOs) and fought the likes of former world champion Chatchai Sasakul and Manny Melchor, ex-OPBF champ Jess Maca, and former world title challenger Emil Romano.
“Jonathan is not just a part of my team, he’s part of my life,” said Pacquiao in a statement. “We’ve shared victories, struggles, and prayers together. Now I’m here for him in this fight of his life.
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