Petelo turned professional in 1993, and accumulated a record of 10-2-2 before receiving his first shot at a world title in 1997. He vacated the title in 2001 in order to move up in weight. Following the loss to Lopez, Petelo would remain inactive for the following three and a half years.
After suffering another decision loss, Petelo retired from the sport of boxing.
As a significant underdog, Petelo scored a fourth round knockout over long reigning IBF Minimumweight champion Ratanapol Sor Vorapin, ending the Thai champion"s streak of 20 consecutive title fight victories. On 29 September 2001, Petelo unsuccessfully challenged IBF Light Flyweight champion Ricardo López, losing by 8th round knockout. In 2005, he returned to the ring against former IBO champion Zolile Mbityi, losing a closely contested 8 round majority decision.
Petelo successfully defended his title 5 times against challengers Faisol Akbar, Carmelo Caceres, Eric Jamili, Juanito Rubillar, and Mickey Cantwell.
