Can Donaire, Sr. Weave his Magic on Sonsona?
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 29 Jul 2009
Marvin Sonsona will be transferring his training camp to Cebu and renowned trainer Nonito Donaire, Sr. will join the team once he arrives from the U.S. Donaire has stated in the past that he dreams of producing another world champion for the country even as an adviser or co-trainer. Donaire, Sr. will work together with Sonsona's long-time trainer Feliciano "Jun" Agrabio.
The elder Donaire was responsible for leading his son, Nonito Jr. to the IBF flyweight world title by unlocking the Vic Darchiyan puzzle leading to the fifth round knockout win that was 2007's Upset of the Year.
Now the elder Donaire will be working with a 19 year old undefeated fighter who will go up one division higher to face a 37 year old veteran champion. Jose “Carita” Lopez (39 W-7 L-2 D, 32 KO's) of Puerto Rico will be making the first defense of his WBO superflyweight title he won last March with a 12 round unanimous decision win over Pramuansak Posuwan of Thailand.
Sonsona (13W-OL, 12KO's) has never gone past the fifth round and the last time his fight went to the judges was during his pro debut, a four round decision win over Richard Donaire. They have been working on his endurance and toughening up his midsection in training camp. Lopez has never been knocked out. Team Sonsona is confident they can last the distance if necessary. The boxing community has been questioning Sonsona's readiness for this bout. Can a relatively untested teenager live up to the hype?
His manager, Dr. Rajan Yraola is confident that Sonsona can do it.. “They don't know Marvin and what he is capable of doing in the ring.” he said.
Donaire will obviously try to bridge the experience gap during training. Marvin has been sparring with cousin Eden and also with Rey Megrino and Junel Alinio. But there are actual fight situations that are tough to recreate in the gym. Sonsona has said during an earlier interview he has never been hurt or down in more than 200 amateur bouts. How will he react if things do not go his way? He will have to grow up fast as his ring maturity will be tested this September 4 in Ontario, Canada. Donaire's boxing mind will be tested as well.
Top photo: Marvin Sonsona (R) during a sparring session in Manila.
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