Sonsona 110% ready: Gello-ani

By Edri K. Aznar

YOUNG Filipino prospect Marvin Sonsona has been training his heart out in the Elorde Gym for the biggest fight of his professional boxing career, and he is ready to take on and steal the World Boxing Organization super flyweight title from world champion Jose Lopez on Sept. 4 at the Casino Rama in Ontario, Canada.

Renowned Cebuano promoter Sammy Gello-ani, who handles Sonsona’s career in the Philippines, believes that the promising and undefeated fighter has what it takes to dethrone the 37-year-old Lopez.

“He’s 110 percent ready to fight,” said Gello-ani in an interview with Sun.Star Cebu yesterday.

Counter

Gello-ani said Lopez is a pressure fighter and Sonsona will counter this by moving around the ring.

“He’s looking at avoiding the pressure that Lopez will be bringing in. Marvin’s going to move around and take the advantage away from him,” said Gello-ani.

Gello-ani said Nonito Donaire Sr., who was added as one of Sonsona’s trainers, was impressed by Sonsona’s footwork and speed, which could become his main arsenal against the much older Lopez.

Gello-ani is expecting Sonsona’s visa to be released this week.

“I have already booked them for Saturday. I hope everything is on schedule,” said Gello-ani.

Departure

If Sonsona’s visa will be released this week, he will be leaving for Canada with his coaches Jun Agrabio, Nonito Donaire Sr. and manager Dr. Rajan Yraola. Gello-ani will follow.

Sonsona will continue his training in Canada and will wrap up his preparation with a few sparring sessions with former world champion Steve Molitor, who will also be fighting in the fight card against Sergio Escobar.


Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 20, 2009.