A MARVELOUS BIRTHDAY GIFT: SONSONA GETS WORLD TITLE SHOT VS. JOSE LOPEZ
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 26 Jul 2009
Philippine boxing’s worst kept secret will finally make his presence felt in North America. Marvin “Marvelous” Sonsona will challenge reigning WBO superflyweight world champ Jose “Carita” Lopez this September 4, 2009. The 12 round title fight will be held at the Casino Roma in Calgary, Canada. The announcement was made by International matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz during a press conference Saturday evening July 25 at the Dapo Restaurant and Bar in Quezon City. The event also coincided with Sonsona’s 19th birthday celebration.
Lewkowicz expressed confidence in Sonsona and predicted that he will be the country’s next boxing champion. He said that current superstar Manny Pacquiao was even ignored by international promoters when he started to fight in the U.S. Lewkowicz emphasized that just like Pacquiao, Sonsona has the talent to make it big.
Marvin answered questions from the sports media and said that with God’s help he will be ready to take the title away from the Puerto Rican. He has been working on the possibility that he will have to go through the championship rounds. This was the main worry of the sports reporters who fielded questions about the fact that Sonsona has been scoring short knockouts. His trainer Jun Agrabio expressed confidence in that Marvin can handle Lopez. Cebu based promoter Sammy Gello-ani has stated that he sees something in Marvin and that he is a special fighter. During the press conference Gello-ani also emphasized the importance of scouting for talent away from the big cities.
The fight will be in the undercard of a bout featuring the Canadian ex- super bantamweight world titlist Steve Molitor. Lewkowicz said that Marvin will be going to Canada to train with Molitor. Lewkowicz said that the weather will not be problem in Canada as it will still be warm summer going to autumn during that time. Marvin has been training here in Metro Manila and has sparred for a total of 60 rounds with the likes of cousin Eden Sonsona, Rey Megrenio and Jose Ocampo. He has a reached ten rounds in a single sparring session. The rains and flooded streets have not affected his preparation.
Lopez (39 W (KO 32) + lost 7 – 2 D) won the vacant WBO superflyweight title last March with a 12 round unanimous decision win over Pramuansak Posuwan of Thailand one day before his 37th birthday. He turned pro in 1991 and has previously held the WBO Latino flyweight and superflyweight belts. The 5’5” Lopez has never been knocked out. In 2001 he lost to Fernando Montiel in his attempt to win the WBO flyweight title by unanimous decision in a fight where Montiel was knocked down in the 9th round.
Top photo: International matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz (L) gifted birthday boy Marvin Sonsona with a gold necklace during yesterday's press conference at the Dapo Restaurant & Bar in Quezon City announcing Sonsona's shot at a world title against Jose 'Carita' Lopez of Puerto Rico.
L-R: Sonsona's trainer Jun Agrabio, Sonsona, Lewkowicz, Tagbilaran City mayor Dan Neri Lim and promoter Samson Gello-ani during yesterday's press conference at the Dapo Restaurant & Bar in Quezon City.
After the press conference, Sonsona’s birthday party continued with invited friends and guests. He was seranded by the Pinoy Rap band Urban Flow. A song made especially for the birthday celebrant was featured during the evening festivities - “LABAN PARA SA BAYAN (The Marvin Sonsona Theme Song) produced and performed by Sly Kane and Lil Cj. Two more local show bands followed.
The event was also attended by WBO Vice Pres. Leon Panoncillo, Marvin’s manager Dr. Rajan Yraola, and Mayor Dan Neri Lim of Tagbilaran.
For the past couple of years, Filipino boxing fans buzzed about another hard hitting southpaw from Gen. Santos City. Now, he will be entering the mainstream sports fans’ consciousness in a huge way. Sonsona cannot imagine himself doing anything else other than boxing. Now, he has a chance to be called “Champion of the World”.
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