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Long before names like Nonito Donaire Jr. or Manny Pacquiao captured the boxing market in the Philippines, the Peñalosa legacy held a reputation that is arguably the most decorated in Philippine boxing history.

For most, Dodie Boy would be the first name that comes to mind—the hard-hitting slugger, who overcame polio to win the IBF junior flyweight and flyweight titles.

When he retired in 1995, it was his younger brother, Gerry’s turn to taste stardom, whom Freddie Roach would go on to describe as the best-skilled Filipino boxer ever.

But between Dodie Boy and Gerry, there was another brother who could have made them the ‘Three Kings.’ But in no small measure would Jonathan settle just yet.

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Jonathan, like his brothers, was trained by their father and the Philippine lightweight title holder, Carl Sr.

A strict disciplinarian who had to put a lot of his money away to support his extended family, Carl Sr. was conditioned to use unorthodox methods such as punching wood and old tires to strengthen your hands. “He said, ‘If you did not run everyday, you stop boxing,’” said Jonathan.

And if you won’t make that run, he would ask you to tie yourself to a tree for punishing sit-up sessions. Jonathan Penalosa wasn’t as unforgiving as his father, but he ensured that every time a Penalosa would walk into a ring, they would defend their legacy. Take their third-generation boxers, for instance.

When Dave and Carlo went pro, Jonathan allowed little to no slacking in the gym by sparing them with an assortment of Chinese pros who aren’t familiar with the Peñalosa legacy.

He would train them for one month in Beijing just so that the expectations back home don’t weigh down on them.

But Manny Pacquiao, one of his many star mentees, had always been special to Jonathan. He finished what Jonathan started.

The day was March 24, 1992. Jonathan Peñalosa went down in the sixth round against Korea’s Yong Kang Kim at the Incheon Indoor Gymnasium in South Korea.

He also went on to lose his next three bouts, which included the Chatchai Sasakul fight in 1992, before retiring with a 15-4-1 record.

Six years later, Manny would avenge that title loss for Jonathan by winning his first world title at just 19 years old against Chatchai’s 13-month reign.

Jonathan would later become a part of Pacquiao’s training team, holding pads for the boxer at his gym in General Santos City, Philippines, before climbing up the ranks to be his head trainer in 2022.

However, updates from as late as last week confirmed Pacquiao went to visit him at the Bacolod City Riverside Hospital. He wrote an IG post shortly after.

“Please join me in praying for Jonathan Penalosa… He’s currently battling stage 4 colon cancer.” Manila Standard shared the family’s statements in early April. “[Jonathan Peñalosa Sr] recently underwent a critical surgery and has since been transferred from Manila to San Carlos Doctors Hospital, where he remains under intensive medical care… We humbly ask for any financial support you can offer. No amount is too small.” But, on Tuesday, Pacquiao confirmed his trainer passed away at the age of 57 with a reel on Instagram.

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The caption read, “Rest in peace Coach Jonathan Peñalosa. You were not only my coach, you were my brother in battle and in life.

Thank you so much for all your sacrifices and love for me and my family. We will never forget you. Our prayers are with Peñalosa family.

We will forever miss you Coach.” [Translation by Google Translate]

His brother, Gerry, too, had a heartfelt last message: “No more pain brod Jonathan Penalosa, you are a true warrior, a loving and caring brother.

Have a safe journey bro, hugs to Mama and Papa.” While Jonathan’s family and friends remember him, social media users also shared their condolences.

Fans come together to say a final goodbye to Jonathan Peñalosa Sr.

Manny Pacquiao made it clear that Peñalosa Sr. was not just a coach but a close friend, and his passing deeply moved many people.

One user shared their own experience working with the late trainer. “Rest in peace, Coach Jonathan, you were always so humble and good to us. Salamat po and god bless you and your family Teampacquiao LA PI ,” the user wrote.

Jonathan had not only trained Pacquiao but also his son, Eman Bacosa, as well as Bruno Escalante Jr. and his own nephew Carlo Caesar Penalosa.

Meanwhile, this user reached out to the trainer’s family and Pacquiao. “Rest In Peace! Condolences to his family and friends, and to yourself, Manny! He’s no longer suffering and back with the holy father!,” the user wrote.

However, a statement from Peñalosa Sr.’s family about his death hasn’t been released yet.

Another user expressed sorrow about his passing. “Super sad  Jonathan was a very bright spot in your corner.

Thank you for everything you’ve done—we in the boxing community will miss you,” the user wrote. Peñalosa Sr. contributed the most to Pacquiao’s career during his tenure as a trainer.

Someone else shared their own experience, as their family member had struggled with colon cancer. “My uncle died the same way, stage 4 colon cancer  condolences to the bereaved family,” the user wrote.

According to sources, stage 4 colon cancer patients have about a 13% survival rate because the cancer metastasizes to distant organs like the liver or lungs.

The next user seems to have been overwhelmed with grief. “Wow, this made me sad, God rest his soul Champ,” the user wrote.

Many more comments like these have poured in since Pacquiao announced Peñalosa Sr.’s passing.

That said, Jonathan Peñalosa Sr. might have gone too soon, but his work with Manny Pacquiao will continue to motivate others to achieve greatness in the time to come. Do you have any parting words for the boxing trainer?

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