Life’s battles are the most delicate, far tougher than any ring. Even the fiercest warriors falter outside the ring. However, the silver lining is unlike inside the squared circle, you are never alone here. And if you are a friend of Manny Pacquiao, he will never let you battle these hardships alone.

The Filipino legend has always stepped in for those in distress. And as a former trainer and ex-WBC International Flyweight champion, Jonathan Peñalosa Sr., is in a battle with Stage 4 cancer, Manny Pacquiao is rallying fans to stand by his mentor’s side in this critical moment.

Manny Pacquiao’s heartfelt appeal to the fans

On Monday, PacMan shared a carousel of heartrending pictures with the ailing Penalosa Sr., reliving their past moments. The first picture showed the legendary trainer on a hospital bed, surrounded by his family, with Pacquiao standing beside them, showing his support. Subsequent photos harkened back to brighter days, depicting Pacquiao training under Peñalosa Sr.’s guidance at the Wild Card gym in Hollywood.

Hailing from a storied Filipino boxing dynasty, Jonathan Peñalosa Sr. is the brother of world champions Gerry and Dodie Boy Peñalosa, and son of professional fighter Carl Peñalosa. After his retirement from boxing with a 15-4-1 record, Jonathan Peñalosa served as Manny Pacquiao’s assistant trainer during various training camps. He played a key role in Pac-Man’s latter career, notably playing an active part in his third bout against Timothy Bradley.

The 46-year-old captioned the images, “Please join me in praying for Jonathan Penalosa Sr, one of my long-time trainers and friends. He’s currently battling stage 4 colon cancer. Let’s also pray for his entire family during this time. We continue to believe in the healing and strength that comes from God. 🙏”

Beyond prayers, the Peñalosa family faces the steep costs of Stage 4 cancer treatment. The legendary trainer’s family needs financial help, and they have called on fans to provide financial support in this critical fight.

Penalosa family reaches out to the fans

On Sunday, the Peñalosa family made a poignant appeal to the fans to show their support for the veteran trainer. “We are reaching out with heavy hearts to ask for your urgent help and prayers for our father, Jonathan Peñalosa Sr. He recently underwent a critical surgery and has since been transferred from Manila to San Carlos Doctors Hospital, where he remains under intensive medical care,” they stated.

Furthermore, the family shared the detailed cost of his treatments, including surgery, medications, hospital stays, and essential therapies. All these expenses have placed an overwhelming financial burden on them. However, they are not giving up. They just can’t carry the burden alone and need help to shoulder these burgeoning costs.

“Despite all our efforts, we’ve reached a point where we can no longer carry the burden alone. We humbly ask for any financial support you can offer. No amount is too small. Your generosity will help our father continue receiving the treatment and care he so urgently needs. Most of all, we ask for your continued prayers for his healing, strength, and hope during this incredibly difficult time,” the family pleaded.

Coach Penalosa also mentored the rising Filipino boxer, Eman Bacosa. The 21-year-old also showed his support to the trainer on his social media and wrote, “Coach Jonathan Peñalosa was part of my team during my 2nd to 4th professional fights. Thank you, Coach Sharp Ari Peñalosa, get well soon. God bless you.”

As Manny Pacquiao said, Jonathan Peñalosa Sr.’s fight against Stage 4 cancer is a battle no one should face alone. So, make sure to leave a message of support for the revered boxing figure down below.