Manny Pacquiao is mourning the lack of certainly one of his most trusted trainers forward of his return to boxing in 2025.
The Filipino Senate hopeful reported the information on Tuesday after long-time coach Jonathan Penalosa handed away. Penalosa died at 57 after affected by stage 4 colon most cancers.
Penalosa was a former world title challenger himself on the decrease weights, the place his protégé Pacquiao started. He challenged Yong Kang Kim for the WBA world title in 1992, developing quick in six rounds.
Following his retirement in 1993, he turned a coach and linked up with a teenage Pacquiao within the Philippines, who would later change into a boxing legend.
The coach’s dying got here only one week after Pacquiao visited him within the hospital, the place he clung to life however was in excessive spirits.
Pacquiao would submit on social media on the time, “Please be part of me in praying for Jonathan Penalosa Sr, certainly one of my long-time trainers and pals.
“He’s presently battling stage 4 colon most cancers. Let’s additionally pray for his complete household throughout this time.
“We proceed to imagine within the therapeutic and energy that comes from God.”
It was identified on the time that Penalosa had solely a short while to dwell.
After his passing, Pacquiao paid tribute to the person who took senior coaching duties for his exhibition match towards South Korean martial artist DK Yoo.
“Relaxation in peace, Coach Jonathan Penalosa. You weren’t simply my coach, you turned my brother within the battle and in life.
“Thanks a lot for all of your sacrifices and love for me and my household. We are going to always remember you.
“Our prayers are with the Penalosa household. We are going to eternally miss you, Coach.
Penalosa was there for a lot of memorable Pacquiao fights in Las Vegas, the place the ‘Pac-Man’ would change into a lineal champion and maintain belts in eight weight lessons.
He then went on to win the WBA title and have become the oldest welterweight champion in July 2019 on the age of 40 towards Keith Thurman. Earlier than his first retirement, he turned a nationwide hero as a politician. He goals to be re-elected to the Senate on Could 12.
Pacquiao’s ultimate skilled outing got here towards Yordenis Ugas in August 2021. Followers can sit up for one ultimate chapter when the celebrity returns for one final battle in 2025.
Mario Barrios is the subsequent goal for an enormous showdown in Nevada.
Relaxation in peace Coach Jonathan Peñalosa. Hindi lang kita naging coach, naging kapatid kita sa laban at sa buhay. Maraming salamat sa lahat ng sakripisyo at pagmamahal mo sa akin at sa pamilya ko. Hindi ka namin makakalimutan. Our prayers are with Peñalosa household. We are going to eternally… pic.twitter.com/pwoW2L7ZlT
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) April 28, 2025
Earlier than his sickness, Penalosa was coaching Pacman’s son, Eman Bacosa, passing on the knowledge of his father, Carl Penalosa, a two-time Philippine super-lightweight champion.
As a part of a trio of preventing brothers, Jonathan didn’t handle to succeed in the heights of siblings Dodie Boy and Gerry. Each gained world titles throughout their careers.
Penalosa’s ultimate boxing report learn 15-4-1, 7 KOs.
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Learn all articles and unique interviews by Phil Jay. Study extra concerning the writer, an skilled boxing author and World Boxing Information Editor since 2010.
