SONSONA ALL SET FOR HIS RETURN TO CANADA
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 13 Nov 2009
“He’ll keep his title, no one can take it from him.” This was the comment made by lightweight Arnel Dunal after sparring for ten rounds with WBO superflyweight champ “Marvelous” Marvin Sonsona on a sweltering Wednesday afternoon at the IPI Gym in Mandaue City.
When asked to compare Sonsona to the 135 lb. boxers he faced in the ring, Dunal said “He’s got power. He can hit.”
Sonsona has also been using the sweat suit to shed off the extra pounds so he can make the 115 lb.weight limit on November 21. His first title defense against Mexico’s Alejandro Hernandez will be at the Casino Rama in Ontario. Canada boxing rules require boxers to have their weigh-in on the morning of the fight. He will also have to adjust to the cold autumn weather.
Sonsona punched the mitts with trainer Nonito Donaire,Sr. after his sparring session. Donaire will leave for Las Vegas for Federico Catubay’s IBF superflyweight title eliminator bout against Juan Alberto Rosas of Mexico this November 13 (Morning of Nov. 14 Manila Time). Trainer Jojo Palacios will supervise Sonsona’s final training day in Cebu this Friday before he leaves for Manila and take his connecting flight to Canada.
More than a dozen boxers train at the IPI gym every day. Those who are just starting their trade get to sit and watch the champ when he spars. They get to see a glimpse of the skill level they need to develop to be a world class fighter. Sonsona has also sparred with Richard Betos and Elf Gitgano. There will be no more sparring in Canada a week before the fight.
The 19 year old Sonsona (14W-0 L, 12 KO’s) won the WBO superflyweight title from Jose “Carita” Lopez of Puerto Rico by 12 round unanimous decision in Casino Rama last September. This was the first time the southpaw from Gen. Santos City went past the fifth round. Sonsona made history by becoming the second youngest Filipino world boxing champion after jr.welterweight Morris East. Sonsona, just like Alexis Arguello and Thomas Hearns before him, is a good example of a tall skinny fighter that packs paralyzing power.
Marvin’s brother Mark Anthony, who is a basketball player, has been accompanying him at the gym. He will not be with Marvin though in Canada. Sonsona has requested the Filipino boxing fans for their prayers so he can make a successful title defense. Faith plays an important part in the culture of the predominantly Roman Catholic Philippines. Manny Pacquiao’s skyrocketing fame and success made Filipino boxers realize that something greater is happening and they are fighting at a very special time.
“This fight is for our country,” Sonsona said, “With help from God, I will win this fight. I would also like to request for the support of the Canadian and Filipino boxing fans.” Sonsona also thanked his friends in Gensan, Cebu and Metro Manila for their continuing support.
Promoter Sammy Gello-ani informed that the Philippine television coverage is courtesy of Solar Sports and GMA 7. Another Pinoy boxer Ciso “Kid Terrible” Morales will be in the undercard. The fight will be held on the morning of November 22 Manila Time.
Top photo: WBO superfly champion Marvin Sonsona (L) with trainer Nonito Donaire, Sr. during Friday's workout at the Omega Gym in Mandaue City. Photo by Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
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