Sampson Lewkowicz plans to bring Pinoy fighters in the States
By Rich Mazon
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 17 Mar 2012
New York - Sampson Lewkowicz took a look at a young and raw Manny Pacquiao more than a decade ago and recognized that he has a superstar in his presence. The rest is history. He struck gold again when he discovered the now middleweight king of the world and number 3 pound for pound fighter in Sergio Martinez. The amiable Uruguayan matchmaker, adviser and now promoter is in town with Martinez who will fight Irishman Matthew Macklin tonight at the Theatre of MSG. I asked Lewkowicz about his recent trip to the Philippines earlier this month where he presented newly crowned IBF light flyweight champ, Johnriel Casimiro his belt. ?Cebu is a lovely city. I love the Waterfront Hotel. I enjoyed the casino and I enjoyed my stay there and everything that Cebu offers to tourists,? said Lewkowicz.
I inquired if he took a look at local fighters while he was there, of which he replied ?Oh yes, Actually I worked very close with Marvin Sonsona, with Froilan Saludar and few others.? Both Sonsona and Saludar are fighting separate opponents tonight at the Hoops Dome in Lapu Lapu City, Cebu. Lewkowicz is hoping that both fighters will win their respective matches tonight and foresees good things for them in the future.
I then asked him if he plans to bring Filipino fighters in the United States to fight, just like when he helped Pacquiao when the now Filipino sports icon was searching for a promoter and for fights some ten years ago. ? Very soon.? was his immediate reply. I tried to make him divulge names of his Filipino prospects but the 60 year old matchmaker was mum about details. ? Very soon.? he repeated. ? And it will be good news.? he reassured me with a big smile on his face.
Lewkowicz is now also a promoter and handles the careers of recent Light heavyweight title contender Gabriel Campillo who lost a controversial decision against IBF champ Tavoris Cloud last month. Another ward of him fights in the undercard of Martinez- Macklin, undefeated Russian heavyweight Magomed Abdusalmov who has a record of 13 -0 with as many knockouts as his wins. Lewkowicz is also upbeat about a new project of his, featherweight Javier Fortuna. ?It took me almost 10 years from 2000 to 2008 to bring another great fighter after Manny Pacquiao ( referring to Martinez), so I believe that now it?ll be shorter than 10 years. And I have one in Javier ?El Abejon? Fortuna. ? he stated. ? You will see him very soon on HBO and Showtime under the hands of (trainer) Pablo Sarmiento. He will be the next superstar.? he confidently added. Lewkowicz believes bringing in ?new blood to the industry? to sustain its growth.
There is no questioning Lewkowicz?s eye for boxing talent. The proof lies in his discovery of Pacquiao and Martinez. Here is hoping that he has them set on one of our Filipino pugilist.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rich Mazon .
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