LEWKOWICZ TAKES MARCIAL, SONSONA UNDER HIS WING
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 28 Oct 2008
Manila -- Well-known international matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz has taken promising Filipino prospects Anthony 'Rocky' Marcial and Marvin 'Marvelous' Sonsona under his wing as he promised to guide the two youngsters to the top of the boxing world.
In a dinner he hosted at the posh Mandarin Oriental Hotel Monday night, Lewkowicz laid down a roadmap for the two undefeated boxers where they could challenge for world titles in a couple of years.
The veteran matchmaker, who was credited for discovering an unknown Filipino fighter in Manny Pacquiao in 2001 by giving Pacquiao his first fight in America against former world champion Lehlohonolo Ledwaba and who also guided the careers of Rey Bautista, Z Gorres and AJ Banal to become world title contenders, had lectured the two prospects about the promises and pitfulls of the fight game during the two-hour dinner meeting.
Marcial, 5'9", currently fighting in the super featherweight division, has an immaculate record of 10 wins with 9 knockouts while Sonsona, 5'7" and fighting as a flyweight, has an equally impressive undefeated resume of 9 wins 8 of which were coming by way of knockout.
In attendance during the meeting were Angel and Joven Jimenez, the father and son tandem who manage Marcial, Marcial's trainer Tony Pacopia, Sonsona's manager Dr. Rajan Yraola, Sonsona's trainer Jun Agrabio and well-known promoter Samson Gello-ani. Also in attendance were young Baguio promoter Brico Santing and boxing manager Nonoy Ariscon.
Lewkowicz, known as the 'Picasso' of boxing, had opposed the bringing of the duo to America at this early stage of their careers and instead told his handlers to make the couple establish a name first in the Philippines. He told them that the two youngsters will most likely start fighting in the Virgin Islands starting next year.
Gello-ani, who had spotted the talents of Marcial and Sonsona early on, announced during the meeting that Sonsona will see action on Nov. 30 in a Mandaue card and will also see action on a yet to be finalized December card. Marcial will see action in a January card most likely challenging reigning WBO Oriental featherweight champion Eric Canoy of Zamboanga City.
Top photo: International matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz (C) poses with Filipino prospects Marvin Sonsona (L) and Anthony Marcial Monday night at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Makati City, Philippines.
Lewkowicz (L) with Sonsona, Dr. Rajan Yraola and trainer Jun Agrabio.
L-R: Sonsona's trainer Jun Agrabio, Sonsona's manager Dr. Rajan Yraola, Sonsona, Lewkowicz, Marcial, Marcial's manager Angel Jimenez and trainer Tony Pacopia pose at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel lobby after their meeting Monday night.
Photos by Dong Secuya.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat is the new FIDE World Senior 65 over category Rapid Champion
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Thunderdome 48 - Jude Grant vs Fano Kori
Sun, 24 Nov 2024World Boxing backs plan to create a new Confederation in Asia
Sun, 24 Nov 2024The message is clear – Asian Boxing Confederation remains united with the IBA
Sun, 24 Nov 2024OSCAR DE LA HOYA FOUNDATION HOSTS 25TH ANNUAL TURKEY GIVEAWAY FOR EAST LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Life vs. Death: The Ultimate Ringside Showdown Immortalized in Pierce Egan’s Boxiana
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 23 Nov 2024SPORTS SHORTS 284: TEAM MARK MAGSAYO CONFIRMS RETURN TO THE RING ON DECEMBER 14
By Maloney L. Samaco, Sat, 23 Nov 2024RJP Boxing promotes in Bucana on Dec. 17
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Good Prospects at Minimumweight, Light Fly, Super Bantam and Super Feather in 2025
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Filipino International Master Chito Danilo Garma is the new World Senior Blitz champion; Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat takes the bronze medal
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 23 Nov 2024KAMBOSOS JR SIGNS CO-PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM
Sat, 23 Nov 2024INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME TO ANNOUNCE CLASS OF 2025 ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5th
Sat, 23 Nov 2024Ring Master promotes in Calinan on Dec. 21
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024NP Bansalan boxing team in Matalam
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024New York, Minnesota Biggest Trade Gainers; Los Angeles Has the Rookie Draft Steal
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 22 Nov 2024