by Ronnie Nathanielsz

Former two division world champion Gerry Penalosa says his protégé Michael "Hammer Fist" Farenas has "doubled his training" in preparation for his clash with undefeated Jose “Sniper” Pedraza for the IBF super featherweight No.1 ranking with the winner in line for a mandatory title shot against champion Rances Barthelemy who easily beat No. 3 ranked David Saucedo in his recent title defense at the Foxwoods Resort in Connecticut.

Penalosa told the Manila Standard/Viva Sports that Farenas "is a hungry fighter and wants to win" and is in fact "ready to face Pedraza even now."

Farenas sparred four rounds with former Oriental Boxing Federation champion Jonel "Mulawin" Alibio and will spar once again on Thursday.

The hard-hitting southpaw will leave for Los Angeles on Friday and will continue to train at the Wild Card Gym of Freddie Roach until he leaves for Caguas, Puerto Rico on November 9 for his fight against Pedraza scheduled for November 14.

Farenas will train in Los Angeles under the supervision of Carl Penalosa and strength and conditioning coach Jay San Pedro.

Ranked No. 2 by the IBF, southpaw Farenas is aiming for a mandatory crack at the title held by Bartheley who is a good boxer but Penalosa believes he won't be able to handle the power opf Farenas should the Filipino prevail over Pedraza in the Puerto Rican's hometown.

The 25 year old Puerto Rican, Pedroza has an impressive record of 18-0 with 12 knockouts and is ranked No. 6 by the IBF. He is the reigning International Boxing Organization champion and won the title by a twelve round unanimous decision over Alberto Garza last March 22 and successfully defended the title with a rousing 6th round stoppage of Juan Carlos Martinez who was outclassed on ESPN Friday Night Fights last August 15 in a scheduled ten round bout.

In a post fight interview Pedraza said he wanted to “let the whole boxing world know that I am for real. I am ready to fight any of the champions in my weight class. I know I have the talent to bring a world title back to my people of Puerto Rico.”

But before Pedraza can earn a world title shot he has to get past the tough Farenas who is himself aching for a crack at the world title and has a record of 39-4-4 with 31 knockouts.

Farenas is coming off an 8th round TKO victory over previously unbeaten American Mark ”Too Sharp” Davis who was battered by Farenas before referee Steve Smoger called a halt at :59 seconds of the eighth round at the Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Connecticut last July 2.