Sampson not giving up on Sonsona

MANILA, Philippines - International promoter Sampson Lewkowicz is convinced that former WBO superflyweight champion “Marvelous” Marvin Sonsona has what it takes to become the next Manny Pacquiao despite his recent knockout loss to Wilfredo Vazquez Jr.

Lewkowicz said the other day he was in a state of depression after Sonsona lost the WBO 115-pound title on the scales then barely escaped defeat by drawing with Alejandro Hernandez and only last month, was counted out in a foiled bid for the vacant WBO superbantamweight crown. The Uruguay impressario, who now lives in Las Vegas, was in Arlington, Texas, last weekend to witness Pacquiao’s one-sided win over Joshua Clottey.

Sonsona, 19, was widely described as a “one-hit wonder” after a brief reign as WBO titlist and not a few experts are writing him off as a serious contender because of lack of discipline and immaturity.

“How far Marvin will go is up to him,” said Lewkowicz, known as the matchmaker who gave Pacquiao his first US break by arranging the shot at the IBF superbantamweight crown worn by Lehlo Ledwaba in 2001. “I still think of all the Filipino fighters today, he has the most potential to become the next Pacquiao. He has explosive talent and Manny’s charisma. I consider the draw with Hernandez a loss so in my view, Marvin has to recover from two straight defeats. But whether he recovers or not isn’t up to me or his manager or his trainer. It’s up to him.”

Lewkowicz was surprised when informed that Sonsona has asked Cebu promoter Sammy Gello-ani to negotiate a comeback fight in May.


“If that’s true, I’m flying out to General Santos City on the first flight available,” said Lewkowicz. “I want to talk to the kid, find out what’s on his mind. If he wants to fight right away, it’s fine. That means his pride is hurting. I just hope he’s learned his lessons from his last two fights.”

Lewkowicz said if Sonsona wins his comeback fight impressively, he will bring him to Oxnard, near Los Angeles, to train with Gabriel Sarmiento.

“I believe in the kid,” said Lewkowicz. “His trainer Jun Agrabio wasn’t with him when he was preparing for Vazquez. I dropped by his camp for a few days and saw Nonito (Donaire Sr.) working the mitts. Marvin looked like a million bucks on the mitts but I noticed nobody was paying attention to strengthening his abs. I asked Nonito about it and he told me not to worry.”

This year, two of Donaire Sr.’s fighters were knocked out by single body shots in world title fights. Ciso Morales went down from a blow to the solar plexus by WBO bantamweight champion Fernando Montiel and Sonsona was also knocked out by a punch to the body.

Lewkowicz said Donaire Sr. will no longer handle Sonsona. He said Morales has no future as a world contender unless he fights with heart.

Sarmiento trains Lewkowicz’ fighter Sergio Martinez, an Argentinian now living in Spain. Martinez will take on WBC and WBO middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik in Atlantic City on April 17. Another fighter under Sarmiento’s wing is undefeated Victor Cayo who faces Marcos Maidana for the interim WBA lightwelterweight title in Las Vegas on March 27.

Lewkowicz, who visits the Philippines regularly to confer with Gello-ani and check out rising stars, said he is involved in finalizing plans for Bert Batawang to fight former IBF lightflyweight titlist Ulises Solis in Mexico and Johnriel Casimero to challenge WBO lightflyweight champion Ivan Calderon of Puerto Rico.

“I’m doing my best to give Filipino fighters a break in the world market,” said Lewkowicz. “That’s because I love the Filipino people. In Manny’s case, Murad Muhammad likes to take credit for giving his break. But boxing people know I convinced Murad to sign up Manny. I don’t expect anything from Manny. He owes me nothing. I’ve been more than compensated with the recognition by Filipino fans in the US and the Philippines. When I walk into a boxing stadium in Las Vegas, the Filipino fans call out my name. It’s an honor to be considered a Filipino.”

Lewkowicz said Batawang, 38, is in the twilight of a long career and a win over Solis will be a major lift. In 2007, Solis stopped Batawang to retain his IBF diadem in Guadalajara. A win by either fighter will lead to a crack at the world crown. Last September, Solis outpointed Dircen Cabaren in Cancun in his first bout since losing the IBF title to Brian Viloria.

Source: Joaquin Henson  | Philstar.com

Marvin Sonsona to take 3-6 months break

“Marvelous“ Marvin Sonsona, his monicker under serious question after a 4th round knockout at the hands of undefeated Wilfredo Vazquez Jr in a WBO super bantamweight title fight last Sunday in Puerto Rico will take a break of three top six months following his disappointing loss.

Sonsona’s manager Dr. Rajan Yraola said the bad beating at the hands of Vazquez Jr followed his lackluster showing against Alejandro Hernandez at Casino Rama in Ontario, Canada last November when Sonsona lost his WBO super flyweight title after he failed to make the 115 pound weight limit.

Dr. Yraola said Sonsona is expected to arrive on March 4 and he plans to have a one-on-one conversation with the 19 year old southpaw to find out what really happened.

The manager said “I will let him take a rest probably for three to six months” before he returns to the ring. At the same time he said he wanted Sonsona to train at his gym in Quezon City under longtime trainer Jun Agrabio where he could keep an eye on his training rather than have him train in the US like he did for the Vazquez Jr title fight under Nonito Donaire Sr.

Dr. Yraola said neither he nor Agrabio were in San Francisco for Sonsona’s training or in Puerto Rico for the title bout and said he didn’t know what happened. He said “I asked coach “Jun” (Nonito Donaire Sr) what was happening in the training and he told me he was already in condition and his sparring was good. I needed to rely on their reports, that’s the problem.”

He said he spoke to Sonsona on how he was and whether he suffered any injuries and that he had said no.

Dr. Yraola said he is concerned that because of the KO loss, Sonsona “might lose his confidence” because of two bad performances in a row.

Meantime, newly crowned super bantamweight champion Vazquez Jr who improved his unbeaten streak to 18 wins with 1 draw and 15 knockouts has been presented with his title by Governor Luis Fortuna in Bayamon. Also in attendance were Bayamon Mayor Ramon Luis Rivera Jr and WBO president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel.

An emotional Vazquez Jr who joined his illustrious father Wilfredo Vazaquez in becoming the first father-and-son tandem from Puerto Rico to win world titles said “I still cant believe that I am a world champion. It feels like a dream to me.”

Vazquez ripped a perfect left hook to the liver to stop Sonsona in the fourth round to mark the previously undefeated Filipino southpaw’s first setback to drop to 14-1-1 with 12 knockouts.

Source: Ronnie Nathanielsz  | PhilBoxing

Black Saturday

Disaster struck three Filipino fighters in world title fights in different countries last Saturday (Sunday morning, Manila time) and even as WBC lightflyweight champion Rodel Mayol retained his title, he was carried out of the ring on a stretcher.

Mayol staked his crown against former titleholder Omar Nino Romero in Guadalajara and before the bout, the WBC issued a strong statement chastising the Filipino for allegedly stating in a newspaper interview that he feared the governing body wouldn’t stage a fair fight. Mayol denied he ever said it.

But the damage was done. “For (Mayol) to question the WBC’s integrity is unacceptable and to question the honesty of the four North American ring officials selected for this bout will not be tolerated,” said the WBC. “The WBC appointed Gary Ritter of Oklahoma, Nathan Palmer of Indiana and Stephen Blea of Colorado as judges and referee Vic Drakulich of Nevada , all neutral officials.

“It is regrettable that Mayol, who is a very nice and gentle person, could allow these irresponsible comments to be published on his behalf. The WBC is referring the matter to the WBC disciplinary committee to evaluate and rule if any action will proceed to clarify these claims.”

In his denial, Mayol said he never questioned the WBC’s integrity or the honesty of the officials appointed to work the fight. He thanked the WBC for the opportunity to vie for the world crown and become a champion.


After getting off to a strong start, Mayol was blasted below the belt by Romero in the third round. Mayol grimaced and motioned to Drakulich that he had been struck low. Drakulich moved in, apparently to stop the action, as Mayol turned away with both arms down. Suddenly, Romero unleashed a vicious left hook that caught Mayol flush on the jaw. Drakulich was too late in preventing Romero from throwing the sucker punch. Mayol fell on the canvas like a sack of potatoes.

* * * *

Initially, there was confusion on what would be the outcome as Mayol was in no condition to continue. Drakulich consulted WBC executive secretary Mauricio Sulaiman at ringside and it was decided to declare the bout a technical draw, allowing Mayol to keep his belt. Sulaiman’s father Jose is the WBC president.

Ruling a technical draw was a compromise. If a fight is called off because a fighter is unable to continue because of a cut inflicted by an accidental headbutt in the first four rounds, then it is ruled a technical draw or a no-contest. In Mayol’s case, he was knocked out before Drakulich could step in between the fighters – similar to the situation where referee Jay Nady failed to separate Bernabe Concepcion and Steven Luevano at the sound of the seventh round bell, causing the Filipino to strike the WBO featherweight champion and knock him out in Las Vegas last year.

Concepcion was disqualified for the late hit and rightly so although Nady was widely criticized for his inability to move in between the fighters.

What happened to Mayol was unfortunate but he was lucky not to lose by knockout. The rule in boxing is for a fighter to protect himself at all times. Obviously, Mayol was defenseless after motioning to Drakulich he had been hit low and walked away from Romero. But Drakulich never got to separate the fighters so technically, there was no official stoppage and Romero had every right to continue punching. Drakulich, however, appeared to have called a halt – verbally – so if Romero heard it, he should’ve backed off. Of course, Romero will deny hearing an order to retreat – just like Concepcion denied hearing the bell ring.

Should Romero have been disqualified? To justify a disqualification, there must be malicious intent or a blatant infraction of a rule. Because it wasn’t clear if Romero should’ve won by knockout or lost by disqualification, Sulaiman handed out a solomonic compromise – a technical draw. Perhaps, it should’ve been a no-contest.

* * * *

The two other Filipinos who figured in world title bouts last Saturday suffered losses. Marvin Sonsona was knocked out by a shot to the ribs in the fourth round by Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. for the vacant WBO superbantamweight crown in Puerto Rico while Juanito Rubillar Jr. lost to Hekkie Budler on a majority decision for the vacant IBO lightflyweight diadem in South Africa.

Sonsona, 19, moved up two weight classes to battle Vazquez and never fought as a 122-pounder before. He previously campaigned in the superflyweight or 115-pound class. Not even Manny Pacquiao dared to fight for the world superbantamweight title immediately after leaving the flyweight ranks. It took Pacquiao two years before challenging IBF 122-pound champion Lehlo Ledwaba after losing the flyweight title on the scales in his second defense against Medgeon 3-K Battery.

Sonsona was unfairly rushed into another world title shot and the kid wasn’t ready to go for it. There is still some doubt whether Sonsona couldn’t make the superflyweight limit in defending his WBO title against Alejandro Hernandez last November because he was just too lazy to train or his body had naturally grown bigger. His handlers must decide at what weight division is Sonsona suited for at this stage in his physical development and that can only come after consulting a conditioning expert and nutritionist.

It’s crucial for the handlers to realize it’s not a guessing game and Sonsona could be exposed to serious injury in the ring with a decision based on unscientific factors. Finding his optimal weight is critical. Sonsona is too young, too inexperienced and too undisciplined to appreciate that locating his weight division isn’t predicated on where the scales settle after a good meal.

As for Rubillar, it seems that he was robbed of a decision. Ringside reporters said he dominated the action starting the fourth round. Budler, who was only four when Rubillar turned pro in 1994, got the nod of two of the three hometown judges. Lulma Mtya saw it 117-113 and Deon Dwarte, 115-113, both for Budler while Isaac Tshabalala scored it 114-all.

It was Rubillar’s fifth unsuccessful attempt to capture a world title and the frustration must be taking a toll on the 33-year-old veteran.

Source: Joaquin Henson  | Philstar.com

Sonsona too young to quit - promoter

MANILA, Philippines - Marvin Sonsona should seriously rethink his plans after being knocked out by Wilfredo Gomez Jr. yesterday in Puerto Rico.

His promoter, Sammi Gello-ani, can only hope that Sonsona goes back to his “marvelous” ways – on and off the ring.

The 19-year-old boxer took the WBO super-flyweight crown from Puerto Rico’s Jose Lopez last September. But his reign didn’t last long.

He was stripped of the title two months after as he failed to make weight for his first defense against Mexico’s Alejandro Hernandez.

The bout pushed through but ended in a draw. Saying he could no longer make 115 lb, Sonsona jumped two divisions higher.


But before he left for the United States last January to start his training for the Gomez fight, word had it that he wasn’t taking things seriously.

Sonsona loves to party like some champions do, and Gello-ani admitted that there were times that the boxer talked about quitting the sport.

His trip to the US was delayed a couple of times because Sonsona was either late for his flight or had no intention of boarding the plane.

Gello-ani told The STAR he doesn’t want to give up on Sonsona because the native of Gen. Santos City has a very bright future in the sport.

“Bata pa kasi (He’s still young),” said Gello-ani. “So let’s give him a chance. There were days when he told me he wanted to quit boxing because he said he’d been boxing all his life.”

Sonsona comes from a poor family, and upon his title win last September, he said all he wanted was to give his parents and his siblings a taste of the good life.

“After getting a taste of the good life suddenly he wants to quit,” said Gello-Ani, adding that Sonsona got $25,000 against Lopez and $50,000 against Alejandro.

For the Vasquez fight, Gello-ani said Sonsona was given a “good contract.”

“Nakatikim ng sarap eh. Ayaw na daw niya. But we’re not giving up on him. We’re giving him two years to mature. But I keep telling him that in those two years he needs to fight,” said Gello-ani.

“I told him that it may be too late for him if he quits now and decides to make a comeback when he runs out of money. He’s a very good boxer and I want him to stay that way,” he added.

Gello-ani can only keep his fingers crossed.

Source: Abac Cordero  | Philstar.com

Marvin Sonsona falls to Wilfredo Vasquez Jr. in 4th round KO

Former WBO super flyweight champion “Marvelous” Marvin Sonsona was knocked out in the fourth round by Wilfredo Vazquez Jr at the Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez in Bayamon, Puerto Rico and with the crushing defeat went his quest to win two world titles within a span of six months.

With the smashing victory Vazquez Jr not only won the WBO super bantamweight title he also created history by joining his illustrious father Wilfredo Vazquez to become the first father-and-son tandem from Puerto Rico to win world titles.



With the win Vazquez Jr. improved to 18-0-1 with 15 knockouts and inflicted the first knockout of Sonsona who dropped to 14-1-1 with 12 knockouts.

Sonsona who won the WBO super flyweight title with a rousing twelve round decision over Puerto Rican champion Jose “Carita” Lopez at Casino Rama in Ontario, Canada last September lost the crown on the scales when he failed to make the weight in his frst title defense against Alejandro Hernandez at the same venue last November.

Sonsona’s handlers led by Filipino promoter Sammy Gello-ani, international matchmaker and promoter Sampson Lewkowicz and trainer Nonito Donaire Sr decided to have Sonsona move up two weight divisions to super bantamweight.

Prior to his departure for the US to begin training at the Kennel Boxing Gym on the outskirts of San Francisco, Sonsona was making it difficult and delayed his departure. It was only after Gello-ani went to his hometown of General Santos City and accompanied him to Manila that he caught a flight to the US along with Donaire Sr and Ciso “Kid Terrible” Morales who also lost in his WBO bantamweight title bid getting knocked out in the first round by Fernando Montiel in Las Vegas last February 13.

Both fighters started off cautiously although Sonsona appeared to have a slight edge in the opening round..

The action picked up in round two as both Vazquez Jr and Sonsona began to throw more punches with Vazquez Jr counter-punching effectively against the lanky Filipino southpaw and ending the round with some solid shots and opening up a cut under Sonsona’s left eye.

Sonsona, fired up by the cut, threw some big punches at the start of round three but Vazquez fought right back and caught Sonsona with power punches of his own. The 25 year old Puerto Rican appeared to be getting the better of his 19 year old opponent.A series of punches to the head and body capped by a vicious left hook dropped Sonsona for the full count.During the fourth round, Vazquez landed a series of punches to the head and body to send Sonsona down for the full count to the delight of Puerto Rican fans and the dismay of Sonsona’s handlers.

Source: Ronnie Nathanielsz  | PhilBoxing

No problem at the scales for Sonsona this time

Marvin Sonsona, out to redeem himself after his reign as world champion was cut short by weight woes, beat the scales this time when he came in for Friday’s official weigh-in for his title fight with hometown boy Wilfredo Vazquez, Jr. in Puerto Rico.

Sonsona, who in his last gig lost his WBO super-flyweight crown after checking in 2.6 pounds over the limit, made weight with plenty to spare on the eve of his Saturday showdown with Vazquez Jr. for the vacant WBO super-bantamweight plum (Sunday in Manila).

The 19-year-old Sonsona weighed 121.4 pounds, according to FightNews.Com, while Vazquez, son and namesake of the former two-time world champ, checked in at exactly 122-pounds.

“I know a lot about Vazquez and I plan to win this fight [by taking advantage of his weaknesses]," Sonsona said in Visayan dialect in an interview with Boxeo Mundial.

Sonsona is seeking redemption after dropping out of the roster of champions last November in Canada, no thanks to struggles to make weight in his defense against Alejandro Hernandez of Mexico, whom he eventually fought to a draw.

The young fighter from General Santos City held the 115-pound crown for a mere 77 days, the shortest ever reign among Filipino titlists.

Following the route taken by his idol Manny Pacquiao who himself lost his first world crown at the scales but went on to become a seven-division winner, Sonsona is looking to dominate at a second weight class.

He jumps two divisions up to dispute the 122-pound belt against Vazquez, who is poised to make history as a second-generation Puerto Rican to win a world title.

Vazquez Jr., a natural super-bantam, looked more muscular than Sonsona during the weigh-in, continuously flexing his muscles as if demonstrating he’s the bigger and stronger fighter going into Saturday’s fight (Sunday in Manila).

But Sonsona said he didn’t care about Vazquez’s antics.

“I’ll just prove it [who the stronger and better fighter is] tomorrow," he said. “There are so many things I can do for the fight and I’ll just show it [inside the ring]."

The fight between Sonsona (14-0-1, 12 KOs) and Vazquez, Jr. (17-0-1, 14 KOs) at the Ruben Rodriguez Coliseum in Bayamon, Puerto Rico will be the co-feature in the “Double Assault" PPV card.

Co-headlining will be the first title defense of Sonsona’s countryman, World Boxing Council light-flyweight champion Rodel Mayol, against former champ Omar Nino Romero over in Guadalajara, Mexico also Saturday night (Sunday in Manila).

Mayol, a fighter belonging to Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions stable, tipped the scales at 107.8 pounds while Romero weighed in at exactly 108 pounds.

The LA-based Mayol (26-4-1, 20 KOs) is seeking to maintain his hold of the WBC strap that he won via his second-round TKO of long-time Mexican titlist Edgar Sosa last November in Chiapas, Mexico.

Romero (28-3-1, 11 KOs), who become a world champ in 2006 when he dethroned Fil-Am Brian Viloria, is coming off an eight-round technical decision win over Filipino Juanito Rubillar in a title eliminator last June in Mexico.

Source: Author Unknown  | GMANews.TV

Pinoy trio in world title bouts today

MANILA, Philippines - WBC lightflyweight champion Rodel Mayol stakes his crown against Omar Niño Romero while two other Filipinos, Marvin Sonsona and Juanito Rubillar Jr. bid for their own belts in three world title bouts in three countries this morning (Sunday time).

Unprecedented in ring history, the incidence of three Filipino fighters seeing action in championship matches in different countries on the same weekend is a testament to the global recognition of those following in Manny Pacquiao’s footsteps.

But it won’t be easy sailing for the Filipinos. They’re all fighting on hostile territory, yielding the homecourt advantage to their opponents.

Mayol, 28, is making the first defense of the 108-pound diadem he wrested from Edgar Sosa on a second round stoppage in Chiapas, Mexico, last November. And Pacquiao’s protégé from Mandaue is facing former champion Omar Nino Romero in Guadalajara.

Sosa suffered a triple fracture of the cheekbone in losing to Mayol and blamed a headbutt for the injury, causing a distraction that led to his knockout defeat. The controversial ending puts pressure on Romero to avenge Sosa’s setback.


Romero, 33, won the WBC crown on a decision over Brian Viloria in 2006 then was stripped of the title for testing positive for illegal drug use after battling to a majority draw with the Hawaiian Punch in a rematch. Romero was suspended a year and has come back with a bang, winning his last three outings, including a technical decision over Rubillar. Romero’s record is 28-3-1, with 11 KOs compared to 26-4-1, with 20 KOs, for Mayol.

WBC president Jose Sulaiman, a Mexican of Lebanese descent, has assured Mayol of fair scoring in the fight. The referee will be Vic Drakulich of Nevada with Stephen Blea, Nathan Palmer and Gary Ritter as judges.

At the Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Sonsona attempts to bag his second world title at local favorite Wilfredo Vazquez Jr.’s expense. Both fighters are unbeaten and will dispute the vacant WBO superbantamweight crown.

Sonsona, 19, is making a jump from the superflyweight division after he was stripped of the 115-pound title at the weigh-in for his bout against Alejandro Hernandez in Ontario last November. Sonsona managed to preserve his unblemished record by holding Hernandez to a 12-round draw.

Vazquez Jr., 25, is coming off a seventh round knockout over Genaro Garcia and boasts a pedigree that is traced to his father Wilfredo Sr., a Puerto Rican legend who held the WBA bantamweight, superbantamweight and featherweight titles. Vazquez Jr. has a record of 17-0-1, with 14 KOs, while Sonsona’s card is 14-0-1, with 12 KOs.

In Sonsona’s corner will be interim WBA superflyweight champion Nonito Donaire’s father Dodong.

“This is a tough fight for Marvin,” said Donaire. “He’s moving up two weight classes so quickly without testing the waters and it’s in Vazquez’ hometown. But my dad is one of the best trainers in the business. I know what my dad can do. I’m confident Marvin can pull through. I’ve watched Vazquez fight and I saw weaknesses in his defense that Marvin will exploit. I wish Marvin and my dad all the best.”

Rubillar, 33, is in the twilight of a long career that began in 1994. He takes on Hekkie (The Hexecutioner) Budler, 20, for the vacant IBO lightflyweight crown at the Emperor’s Palace in Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa.

When Rubillar made his pro debut, Budler was only four years old. Budler’s record is 13-0, with five KOs, and 11 of his bouts were staged at the Emperor’s Palace, his happy hunting grounds.

Rubillar’s experience in compiling a 48-13-7 record, with 23 KOs, is an advantage and he can’t afford to waste this big break after losing in four attempts to win a world crown since 1999.

Rubillar is fresh from beating Jose Guadalupe Martinez by split decision in Tamaulipas, Mexico, for the WBC Continental Americas crown last November and will attempt to thwart Budler whose adviser is former WBO lightflyweight and flyweight champion Baby Jake Matlala, one of South Africa’s ring legends. Matlala fought from 1980 to 2002 and victimized two Filipinos, Ric Magramo and Pretty Boy Lucas, during his career.

If Rubillar defeats Budler, it will be sweet revenge as the Filipino lost to a South African, Zolani Petelo, in his first try for a world title in Cambridgeshire, England, in 1999. Petelo won by unanimous decision to retain his IBF minimumweight crown. Rubillar went on to lose three more title fights to Jorge Arce, Sosa and Giovanni Segura.

Source: Joaquin Henson  | Philstar.com

Sonsona predicts Pacquiao will beat Clottey

Former World Boxing Organization (WBO) super flyweight champion “Marvelous” Marvin Sonsona downplayed the hype that he is the next Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.

“He is my idol! All the Filipino boxers idolize Manny. Nobody will ever be like he him. He's one of a kind,” Sonsona told Lorne Scoggins of 8countnews.com.

Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 KOs) and Sonsona (14-0-1, 12 KOs) are both southpaws and General Santos City natives.

Sonsona, 19, won the WBO super flyweight title by defeating 37-year-old Jose “Carita” Lopez by unanimous decision at the Casino Rama in Ontario, Canada last September.

He, however, vacated his title when he failed to make the 115-pound limit last November. His title defense against Mexican Alejandro “Payasito” Hernandez ended in a draw.

The teenage boxer will aim to win a world title again on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) against Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. (17-0-1, 14 KOs) for the vacant WBO super bantamweight title. Sonsona will be moving up from the super flyweight division.

When asked if he plans to win in different weight classes just like 7-division world champion Pacquiao, Sonsona said only his idol can achieve such feat.

“No. Manny is the only one who can do so well at many different weight classes. Nobody can follow in his footsteps because he is the best and he made his own way. For me, whatever opportunities Jesus gives me I'll take."

Sonsona naturally predicted that Pacquiao will prevail over Ghanaian Joshua Clottey on March 13 at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

“I think Manny will win this fight. He's very good at what he does,” Sonsona stated.

He also told PhilBoxing.com: “Manny is Manny. It’s hard following in his footsteps but all I can be is my best and, hopefully, bring another world title home.”

Well-prepared

The Sonsona vs Vasquez is featured in “The Double Assault” event which will take place at the Ruben Rodriguez Coliseum in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

He mentioned that fighting in his opponent's hometown is not bothersome as he believes the judges will be fair. He added that he has “a lot” of Puerto Rican fans.

The Filipino teen fighter also noted that he is well-prepared for the title fight. He is shaping up in Puerto Rico after training in San Leandro, California.

“For me, I'll do my best and the rest is up to the Lord to decide who's going to win, but for my part, I'm going to give everything I got to win this fight.”

He appealed, “I'd like to ask everyone to please pray for me and all the boxers who want to be world champions, and on this Saturday, please say a special prayer for me to win this fight. It is for the honor of our country.”

Source: Author Unknown  | abs-cbnnew.com

Sonsona ‘hungry like a tiger’ in 2nd title shot

After a short-lived stint as a weight-troubled world champion, Marvin Sonsona will be doubly motivated and ravenous when he climbs the ring to dispute the vacant WBO junior featherweight title with Wilfredo "WV2" Vazquez, Jr. on Saturday at the latter’s turf in Puerto Rico.

Sonsona, 19, will be seeing action for the first time since losing the WBA super-flyweight belt for weighing in 2.6 pounds over the limit for his defense against Mexican Alejandro Hernandez last November in Canada. The General Santos pride went on to battle Hernandez to a draw, consoling himself by remaining undefeated (14-0-1, 12 KOs).

"I want to make up for what happened in Canada and win another world title. I’m hungry and focused on this fight; I’m hungry like a tiger!" said Sonsona, who holds the record as the second youngest Filipino to win a world title and the one with the shortest ever reign (77 days).

For his next foray, Sonsona is moving two divisions up, pitting skills with Vazquez. Jr, who himself is gunning for history as the first-ever second-generation Puerto Rican to win a world title like his father (former three-division titlist Wilfredo Sr.).

"My promoter (Sampson Lewkowicz) wanted me to take this fight because I have a big chance to win the title. It’s a good opportunity for me to get a championship belt back. I’ve trained hard for this fight and we’ve worked on his (Vazquez’s) weaknesses. He makes a lot of mistakes," he said.

It will also be the first time for Sonsona to fight in a pay-per-view card. Billed "Double Assault," the PPV split site program will feature not only the Sonsona-Vazquez duel in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, but also the title defense of Filipino WBC light-flyweight king Rodel Mayol against ex-champ Omar Nino over in Guadalajara.



WBO No. 3 rated Sonsona is unfazed that he’s facing off with No. 2 rated Vazquez Jr. (17-0-1, 14 KOs) in hostile territory.

"Fighting in his (Vasquez’s) hometown doesn’t bother me. The officials will be fair and I have a lot of Puerto Rican fans, too. I’m not sure if it’ll end in a knockout, but it’s going to be a very good fight," he declared.

Sonsona won raves when he captured the WBO 115-division strap via a 12-round unanimous decision win over veteran Jose Lopez in Ontario, Canada last September 2009.

Losing the crown at the scales right on his first defense two months later brought back memories of a young Manny Pacquiao, who had a similar experience back in 1999 but eventually rebounded to become a seven-division champion.

"Manny is Manny. It’s hard following in his footsteps but all I can do is to be my best and, hopefully, bring another world title home," Sonsona said of his idol.

Source: Author Unknown  | GMANews.TV

Sonsona vows to be ready vs Vasquez Jr.

Former world super flyweight champion Marvin Sonsona wants to become a world champion again. To do that, the former World Boxing Organization (WBO) super flyweight champion will have to go through Wilfredo Vasquez Jr. on February 27 in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

“He is a very talented fighter,” Sonsona told FightNews.com, describing his Puerto Rican opponent.

Both fighters, who will slug it out for the vacant WBO super bantamweight title, remain undefeated in their young professional careers. Sonsona has a 14-0-1 record (with 12 knockouts) while Vasquez has 17-0-1 (with 14 KOs).

“I’m training extremely hard so that I can be victorious,” said the boxer from General Santos city. “I will be more than ready come February 27th.”

Sonsona said he is now getting comfortable with his move to super bantamweight.

The Filipino boxer was stripped of his WBO title after failing to make the 115-pound limit. This time, at the 122-pound division, he said it won’t happen again.

“It’s such a relief to not have to struggle to make weight anymore. I feel at home in the super bantamweight division,” he said.

Sonsona first came to the attention of local sports fans when he won the WBO super flyweight title by outpointing Jose “Carita” Lopez of Puerto Rico in September last year.

He, however, lost the title after coming in over the 115-pound limit against Alejandro Hernandez of Mexico during his first title defense last November.

Source: Dennis Gasgonia  | abs-cbnnew.com

Marvin Sonsona Goes For More Records

Former WBO superflyweight champ Marvin Sonsona will move up two divisions higher and face Wilfredo Vasquez,Jr. of Puerto Rico for the vacant WBO superbantamweight world title.

If Sonsona beats Vasquez on February 17, 2010, he will be the youngest Filipino in history to win two world titles at two different weight divisions at 19 years, six months and 23 days. Vasquez however, will have the home court advantage.

The 25 year old Vasquez, (17 W (KO 14) – L 0- D 1) won the WBO interim superbantamweight belt with an 8th round TKO over Adolfo Landeros in 2008. A familiar name on his resume is Jose Angel Beranza who he beat by unanimous decision March last year. This is the same Beranza that lost by 10 round unanimous decision to AJ Banal in Hawaii last August.

Vasquez’ father, Wilfredo,Sr. had an excellent pro career winning three titles in three different weight divisions –WBA bantamweight, WBA jr. featherweight and WBA featherweight.

This will be the first time that Sonsona will fight in his opponent’s home turf. Sonsona has fought in Canada twice in his previous overseas outings, beating Puerto Rico’s Jose Lopez by 12 round unanimous decision for the WBO 115lb world crown and enduring a split 12 round draw with Alejandro Hernandez of Mexico in his first defense after losing his title at the scales.

Sonsona (14W-0L-1D, 12 KO’s) became the toast of Philippine boxing last September when he became the second youngest Philippine world boxing titlist after Morris East. But he set an inglorious record when during the weigh-in of his first defense he was 2.6 lbs over the superflyweight limit and had to be stripped of his title.

Sonsona’s reign lasted 77 days breaking the previous record of 86 days of junior welterweight Roberto Cruz in 1963.

But Quinito Henson brought up an obscure but very interesting fact in his popular Philippine Star sports column a couple of months ago wherein he cited Miguel Arrozal winning a lightweight title for the little known WBB or World Boxing Board in 1988 and reigned for only 70 days.

This detail however, did not save Sonsona from scorn. There were harsh repercussions from boxing fans and the sports media. Being another hard hitting southpaw from Gen. Santos City has its advantages. But it also carries with it the burden of expectations and the long shadow of Manny Pacquiao especially when it comes to work ethic during training.

Nonito Donaire,Sr. will train Sonsona in the U.S. together with Ciso Morales who will be gunning for the WBO bantamweight title of Fernando Montiel. Sonsona’s original trainer Jun Agrabio will once again join forces with Donaire,Sr. in whipping Marvin back to his usual fighting form.

Agrabio said that he will try his best, together with Donaire to push Sonsona and bring his focus back. Donaire, Morales and Sonsona will be going ahead and Agrabio will join them once he gets his U.S. visa.

Donaire said they will leave on January 3 and will train at the Kennel Boxing Gym at San Leandro, California.

Sonsona winning a second title will make him set another another Philippine record – the shortest route between losing and winning another world title at 2 months and 27 days. He would be very lucky considering that Pacquiao had to wait one year and nine months after losing his WBC flyweight crown to fight for the IBF junior featherweight title.

For Filipino boxers winning or regaining a title in the same weight division, in 1973 Ben Villaflor lost his WBA junior lightweight to Kuniaki Shibata by 15 round unanimous decision but beat him by first round KO in a rematch seven months later.

Sonsona is fortunate than most Filipino boxers. He won world title in his 14th pro fight. But he has to realize and appreciate the value of a world title. He is an extremely talented boxer, but talent and fame are fleeting. Reaching the pinnacle and staying there are two different things.

Sonsona leaves for the U.S with Donaire Sr. & Morales tonight

“Marvelous” Marvin Sonsona (14-0-1, 12 O’s) leaves for San Francisco tonight (Wednesday in Manila) along with Ciso “Kid Terrible” Morales (14-0, 8 KO’s) and trainer Nonito Donaire Sr after their flights had to be postponed on two occasions when Sonsona failed to take a flight from his hometown of General Santos City to Manila.

Well known promoter Sammy G ello-ani who has handled the career of Sonsona traveled to GenSan to pick up Sonsona and accompany him to Manila to make sure he keeps his commitment for the February 27 title fight against Wilfredo Vazquez Jr (17-0-1, 14 KO’s) in Puerto Rico.

A somewhat relieved Gello-ano told us that the Puerto Rican promoters had spent a lot of money to build-up the super bantamweight title fight and had what Gello-ani said was “a very important press conference” on January 14 and that “everybody wanted to see him (Sonsona) there.”

Gello-ani said Morales who faces WBO bantamweight champion Fernando Montiel (39-2-2, 29 KO’s) in a title fight on the “Pinoy Power III” Top Rank Promotions card at the Las Vegas Hilton was arriving in Manila from Cebu along with trainer Nonito Donaire at 6:30 p.m. and would be joined by Sonsona on the Philippine Airlines flight to San Francisco where they will train at the Kennel Boxing Gym.

Gello-ani said he is flying to San Francisco on Sunday and will accompany Sonsona to Puerto Rico for the press conference after which the former WBO super flyweight champion who lost his title in his first defense when he failed to make the weight in his November 21 bout against Mexico’s Alejandro Hernandez at Casino Rama in Ontario, Canada. However, since the fight ended in a d raw the title remains vacant.

Gello-ani claimed that the 19 year old Sonsona was immature and still wanted to enjoy life and that his parents reportedly couldn’t control him.

Gello-ani said he needs time to mature and said “I hope he will mature after a year or even after this fight” because he is a talented fighter.

When we cited the maturity shown by newly crowned WBO light flyweight interim champion Johnreil Casimiro who scored a stunning 11th round knockout over highly fancied Cesar Canchlla recently, Gello-ani pointed out that the “family background was different who back him up, make sure he has good training while in the case of Sonsona his father cannot control him. That’s why I went to GenSan just to let him (Sonsona)know that this fight is very important.”

We had a chance to talk to Sonsona and advised him to take his career seriously and to make use of the opportunities given him. While he thanked us f or our concern Sonsona said he was “okay and will train hard for the fight” adding “I can do it.”

Source: Ronnie Nathanielsz  | PhilBoxing

Sonsona fails to leave again

"Marvelous” Marvin Sonsona failed to once again leave for the United States to begin training for his WBO super bantamweight title fight against undefeated Wilfredo Vazquez Jr set for February 27 in Puerto Rico.

He was supposed to fly to Manila from his hometown of General Santos City on Sunday to join Ciso “Kid Terrible” Morales and Nonito Donaire Sr on a flight to San Francisco but their departure was called off after Sonsona, for unknown reasons failed to take the flight from GenSan.

Promoter Sammy Gello-ani who worked hard along with international matchmaker/promoter Sampson “Picasso” Lewkowicz to get Sonsona the title shot after he lost his WBO super flyweight title when he failed to make the weight in his first defense at Casino Rama in Ontario, Canada last November 21, traveled to GenSan via Davao on Sunday to meet with Sonsona and his parents to find out what was wrong.

Latest word is that his father said there was no family problem as earlier rumored while his mother said on Monday that Gello-ani had bought a ticket for Sonsona who would hopefully leave for Manila on Tuesday and catch a connecting flight to Los Angeles where he and Morales are supposed to train at the Kennel Gym in San Francisco.

Morales faces WBO bantamweight champion Fernando Montiel in a title fight on the “Pinoy Power III” card at the Las Vegas Hilton on February 13 which will be telecast in the Philippines by the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN which recently signed a two-year output deal with Top Rank promoter Bob Arum.

www.insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports learned that when Sonsona was asked why he wasn’t training and why he didn’t leave as scheduled, he provided no answer even as he indicated he doesn’t pay any attention to criticism of his attitude.

All efforts to contact Gello-ani proved futile while Nonito Donaire Sr who continues to work hard with Morales at the IPI Gym in Mandaue said if Sonsona is not ready to fight then he would prefer continuing to train Morales in Cebu and leave for Las Vegas about two weeks before his title fight against Montiel.

Donaire said Morales was looking good and coming along nicely and he has high hopes for the young fighter.

Source: Ronnie Nathanielsz  | PhilBoxing

Ex-champ Sonsona poised to regain lost glory

Instead of sulking over his brief reign as world champion, Filipino youngster Marvin Sonsona is poised to bounce back and win a second title, this time at a heavier weight division.

The 19-year-old Sonsona, who lost the WBO super flyweight belt when he weighed in 2.6-lbs over the limit in his first defense, is penciled to vie for the vacant WBO junior featherweight crown against Wilfredo Vasquez Jr. on Feb. 27 at the latter’s turf, Puerto Rico.

According to Sonsona’s promoter Sammy Gello-ani, the pride of General Santos City is in high spirits before leaving for the US to train for the title bout with Vasquez Jr., son and namesake of the former three-division world champion.

“The team believes that Marvin will rebound in his next fight, like Manny Pacquiao moving up in weight to be a better boxer than ever," Gello-ani said in an interview with PhilBoxing.Com, referring to Pacquiao’s ascent after losing his first title to the scales early in his career.

Sonsona won raves when he captured the WBO 115-division strap via a 12-round unanimous decision win over veteran Jose Lopez in Ontario, Canada last September, in the process becoming the second youngest Filipino after Morris East to win a world title.

But an overweight Sonsona yielded the crown just 77 days later, the shortest ever reign for a Filipino champion. Roberto Cruz previously held the dubious record of 86 days as a junior welterweight kingpin in 1963.

Despite losing the battle of the scales, though, Sonsona kept his unbeaten record intact after escaping with a draw against Alejandro Hernandez.

Sonsona (14-0-1, 12 KO) is moving up two weight classes for the Vasquez fight.

“Marvin will be better without being dehydrated (trying to meet the super flyweight limit). That’s what we’re looking at and we believe his natural weight should be at 122-lbs," Gello-ani said.

And without weight woes, Team Sonsona is confident the young fighter will be at his best against Vasquez (17-0-1, 14 KO).

“We truly believe that Sonsona will be a world champion again, his talent is extra-ordinary when he is fit to fight. Come Feb. 27th, we will be taking the belt home to our country," the promoter added.

Sonsona will hold training camp at the Kennel Boxing Gym in San Leandro, California under trainer Nonito Donaire, Sr.

Source: Author Unkown  | gmanews.tv