Battle-worn Filipino boxing veteran Gerry Peñalosa suffered a 12-round split decision loss to former world champion Eric Morel in their fight for the interim WBO Bantamweight crown Saturday at the Las Vegas Hilton (Sunday in Manila).
Peñalosa suffered a cut over the left eye from two accidental head clashes in the sixth round. Despite being bloodied however, Peñalosa fought bravely on and pressed the action until the final bell. However, two judges ruled the fight in favor of Morel, 116-112 and 115-113 while the third judge awarded Peñalosa the third card at 115-113. With the win, Morel also earned the right to fight for the WBO Bantamweight crown.
37-year old Peñalosa suffered his 2nd straight loss, the first one against Juan Manuel Lopez who won by TKO in the 10th round. It was still not clear, however, if Peñalosa is considering retirement from the boxing world.
