Sonsona makes triumphant return

CEBU, Philippines - Former WBO super flyweight champion Marvin “Marvelous” Sonsona returned to the ring with fire in his eyes, knocking down Mexican Carlos “El Relampago” Jacobo in the eighth round en route to a lopsided 10-round unanimous victory the other night at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City.

Coming off a 20-month layoff, the General Santos City fighter did not show any signs of rustiness as he gamely punched his way to a convincing win over the Mexican visitor.

The scores were 98-91, 98-91 and 97-92 for Sonsona, who improved his record to 15-1 spiked with 12KOs. It was his first fight since absorbing a heart-breaking defeat to Wilfredo Vazquez, Jr. of Puerto Rico in February last year.

“Moangkon ko medyo nabag-ohan pako gamay pero akong gisaad nga sugod karon straight na akong training aron ma-prepare ko para sa mga lig-on pang boksidor nga akong kontrahon,” said Sonsona.

For his part, SGG Sports Promotions president Sammy Gello-ani expressed satisfaction over Sonsona's performance even as he assured to give his ward a chance to rebuild his dream of becoming a world champion again.

“Maybe mga three to four fights pa against tough Latino boxers and from there we will see if ato naba siyang tagaan og chance pagbalik nga moaway og world title,” said Gello-ani.

Johnriel “Quadro Alas” Casimero, another comeback warrior who once held the WBO interim light flyweight belt, also made an impression by stopping TI Yamagata Sentillas before the start of the second round.

In the other featured bout, Jessie “The Terminator” Albaracin retained his WBO Oriental super bantamweight crown after knocking out the obviously washed-up Marvin Tampus Singwancha at the 1:56 mark of the fifth round. - THE FREEMAN