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 .
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Chaos in Liverpool: Figueroa Silences Echo Arena with 12th-Round Fireworks
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 08 Feb 2026Gabriel Santisima Stuns Unbeaten World Ranked and WBO Asia Pacific Champion Subaru Murata to Capture WBO Asia Pacific Title at Korakuen Hall, Tokyo
Sun, 08 Feb 2026Lucky "Batang Quiapo" Salvador defeats Rhaky "Roj" Constantino
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 08 Feb 2026Nick Ball vs Brandon Figueroa: Scrappy Styles Matchup in Liverpool
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 07 Feb 2026Undefeated Middleweight Sebastian Juarez Returns to the Ring February 6 in Guadalajara
Fri, 06 Feb 2026Esquillo, Arpilleda to compete at Lunar Horse Battle Royal 10-Ball Tournament at Pacman's Cue Club
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 06 Feb 2026WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER FOR MEDINA VS. CURIEL IN MEXICO, PLUS MAIN EVENT QUOTES
Fri, 06 Feb 2026Rene Tellez Giron & Luis Torres Battle for Mexican Pride in 10-Round Main Event of ProBoxTV’s ‘The Contender Series’
Fri, 06 Feb 2026Gomera and Ding are set to clash for the WBC Asia 126 belt
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 05 Feb 2026“Thunderdome 53 is stacked and I cant wait to see these fights March 13 at Thunderdome 53 - Promoter Tony Tolj
Thu, 05 Feb 2026WORLD ELITE SUMO MAKES ITS PRUDENTIAL CENTER DEBUT ON SATURDAY, APRIL 18
Thu, 05 Feb 2026Sumalinog Brothers Score Wins in Bohol; Sign with Monty Flores (PHOTOS)
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 05 Feb 2026MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT WITH TEAM BOXING LEAGUE
Thu, 05 Feb 2026Trifon Petrov unveils the signing of another USA Team member in Ariana Carrasco
Thu, 05 Feb 2026Jerome Gonzales off to a marvelous start in J&P 10 Ball Cup at Pacman's Cue Club
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 05 Feb 2026