Negrense boxer Gerry Peñalosa, a former world champion, didn't mind moving a weight class higher just to get another world title shot.

So it came as no surprise when he also declared that he can "out-smart and defeat" World Boxing Organization bantamweight champion Daniel Ponce De Leon when they clash in a March 17 (Sunday in the Philippines) title fight in Las Vegas. De Leon will defend his title against Peñalosa in a 12-round duel underneath the Marco Antonio Barrera-Juan Manuel Marquez card, dubbed "Fearless".

In the press conference organized by Golden Boy Promotions in Los Angeles recently, Peñalosa said he is motivated to carry the title back to the Philippines.

"I have the technique and a great desire to once more be a world champion," the 34-year-old San Carlos native said. Peñalosa once held the World Boxing Council flyweight title.

Ponce De Leon may prove to be a tough nut to crack for Peñalosa.

The Mexican has an admirable record of 28 knockouts in 30 wins with only one loss. "I feel strong at this weight and I believe I will win by a knockout," he said.

Known for his power punches and aggressive style, Ponce De Leon even took potshots at the size of his Filipino challenger, saying Peñalosa had good technique but was too small and the fight won't last the distance.

But Peñalosa responded by saying: "He (Ponce De Leon) is good but ordinary. He does not intimidate me."

De Leon has also declared his intention to fight rising star Rey "Boom-Boom" Bautista, after Penalosa. *CPT

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