DODIE Boy Peñalosa, Jr. vows to be a different fighter from the last time he fought in the ring as he faces Super James Singmanasak tomorrow at the Recom Dome in Kalookan City.

The eight-round super-bantamweight fight, the main event of the `Dugong Kampeon’ boxing card, marks the return of the young Peñalosa in action three months after knocking out Donriel Marcos at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

Although the namesake of the former two-time world champion came out victorious, Peñalosa Jr. suffered his first professional knockdown during the bout as Marcos nailed him with a thundering right cross to the chin.

Peñalosa, holder of a perfect 7-0 record, all of them by way of knockout, admitted the knockdown was a lesson learned for him.

“Medyo careless ako nun,” he said during the launching of the boxing promotion, jointly presented by the city government of Kalookan led by Mayor Recom Echiverri, and Peñalosa’s uncle, former two-time world champion Gerry Penalosa, last Wednesday.

“Mas prepared ako ngayon, guarantee ko na mas ok ako ngayon,” added the young Peñalosa, who’s fighting outside of his native Cebu City for the very first time.

Speaking through his manager and interpreter, the 29-year-old Singmanasak said he’ll give the local bet a very good fight.

“Dodie Boy is a very good boxer, a hot prospect, coming star. But Super James will give him a good fight,” said the Thai manager.

But Dodie Sr. sees his son being too much against his Thai opponent.

“Expect ko eighty percent na knockout yan,” said the elder Peñalosa.

Also part of the first international boxing promotion in Kalookan City are world prospect Michael Farenas, who takes on Roberto Rubillar in a tune-up match for his coming March encounter with undefeated Mikey Garcia, and Marvin Mabait as he challenges champion Rey Perez for the Philippine super-flyweight championship.

Mayor Echiverri said the boxing card is free to the public on the occasion of the 50th year of the cityhood of Kalookan.