Dodie Jr would have been a shoo-in for the undercard of the Pacquiao-Marquez fight in Las Vegas, Nevada in November.
But a first round knockdown from a wild right overhead from journeyman Donriel Marcos that landed flush on the cheek dramatically altered Gerry’s plans.
Gerry, who watched in dead silence after his nephew was sent crashing on his back, said Dodie Jr needs more polishing before facing tough opponents overseas.
Dodie Jr, however, rose from the scary knockdown to stop the fast tiring Marcos in the third round in a tense moment Saturday evening (October 1) in Lapu-lapu City.
Marcos’ trainer jumped inside the ring to stop further punishment of his ward to put a dramatic end to the scheduled 10-round main event of the evening.
Dodie Jr later said he got careless while going for an early knockout.
Despite the knockdown, Dodie Jr maintained his unblemished record, registering his seventh stoppage win in as many fights.
In the accompanying bouts, 20-year-old Dave Peñalosa made his professional debut by eking out an easy four-round unanimous decision win over John Edu Torbiso.
In the main supporting bout, Michael Fareñas survived a roughhousing Edgar Gabejan to capture the Philippine featherweight title.
Fareñas also bucked a deep cut over his left eye, courtesy of a head butt from Gabejan.
The Gerry Peñalosa ward from Sorsogon repeatedly tagged Gabejan with accurate uppercuts and left straights who grew frustrated as the bout wore on.
The other co-featured undercard saw Eden Sonsona carving out a technical knockout victory over Godwin Tubigon.
Dodie Jr is the son of former flyweight champion Dodie Sr who acted as his chief second during the fight.
After seeing Dodie Jr rising from the canvas, he urged his sons to take time and be more cautious.
Dodie Jr however pressed and peppered Marcos with several combinations and body shots to end the first round.
The card, promoted by Peñalosa’s GerryPens Promotion, will be aired by GMA-7 and hosted by Chino Trinidad and Salven Lagumbay over the weekend.