SONSONA ON TARGET
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 08 Nov 2009
Mandaue City – It was a blazing hot Saturday afternoon when WBO superflyweight champ “Marvelous” Marvin Sonsona sparred with lightweight Arnel Dunal at the IPI Gym in Mandaue City, Cebu. Sonsona managed to control the much heavier sparring partner with his ring savvy and hand speed.
Their sparring session lasted for ten rounds after which Sonsona proceeded to jump rope and even shot a few hoops. Trainer Jojo Palacios said Sonsona is well motivated and focused on making a successful first title defense. Trainer Nonito Donaire,Sr. is correcting Sonsona’s defensive flaws and also train him adjust quickly to different fight situations. The ability to think inside the ring has been the trademark of boxers trained by Donaire.
The undefeated Sonsona will make the first defense of his world title belt against Mexico’s Alejandro Hernandez (22W-7L-1D, 11KO's) on November 21 in Ontario, Canada (Nov. 22 Manila Time).
WBO Oriental superbantamweight titlist Ciso “Kid Terrible” Morales punished the heavy bag then jumped rope Saturday afternoon. He said his training has been going well and is prepared to face Mexico’s Miguel Angel Gonzales Piedras (10W-1 L, 4 KO’s) in the undercard. Both Palacios and Donaire agree that Sonsona and Morales will easily reach their target weight.
Aside from shedding their extra weight, Sonsona and Morales will be fighting the Canadian cold once they arrive in Ontario where temperatures may reach 10 to 0 degrees Celsius comparing it to the 30-32 degrees Celsius of Cebu. The fight card billed as Rumble in Rama X will also feature popular Canadian boxer Steve Molitor, a former IBF superbantamweight champ, against Jose Saez of Argentina.
Also seen sparring with each other at the IPI Gym were Fernando Lumacad and Johnriel Casimero. Lumacad will fight for the WBC Intercontinental Youth title in Oaxaca, Mexico against Juna Jose Montes on November 28.
Casimero will fight for the vacant WBO interim lt.flyweight belt against Cesar Canchila of Colombia in Managua , Nicaragua on December 19.
Top photo: WBO superfly champion Marvin Sonsona (L) lands a right to sparring partner lightweight Arnel Donald during yesterday's training session at the Omega Gym in Mandaue City.
Trainer Nonito Donaire, Sr. (L) pours water on the head of Marvin Sonsona during yesterday's training session at the Omega Gym in Mandaue City.
Photos by Dong Secuya.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
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