Sonsona on a mission tonight

CEBU, Philippines - Former WBO super flyweight titlist Marvin "Marvelous" Sonsona (15-1-1, 12KOs) will be a 'man on a mission' tonight when he battles Carlos "El Flaco" Fulgencio (19-5-1, 12KOs) of Dominican Republic in the main event of the "Pinoy Knockout I" boxing extravaganza at the Hoops Dome in Brgy. Gun-ob, Lapu-Lapu City.

"I will show to everybody that I am still capable of becoming a world champion again," said Sonsona. "This is the initial test of my mission to regain my lost glory and I will give everything I can to make an impression. I must come up with no less than a decisive victory," he added.

Fame came in early for Sonsona. At only 19 years old, the pride of General Santos City already claimed the WBO 115-pound crown with a unanimous decision victory over Jose Lopez on September 4, 2009 at Casino Rama in Ontario, Canada.

But his fall from the world throne was as swift as his rise to glory. Sonsona reigned for only two months as he was forced to abdicate his throne for failing to make the contracted weight limit in a fight against Alejandro Hernandez.

Sonsona moved up in the weight, but fumbled in his world title attempt after being knocked out by Wilfredo Vasquez, Jr. in round four during their WBO super bantamweight championship match on February 27, 2010 at the Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

Sonsona remains hopeful though that he still has what it takes to be a world champ anew.

"I'm confident that I will get back to that level again. I know it will take time, that is why I'm taking things one step at a time. This fight (against Fulgencio) will determine what the future holds for me," said Sonsona, who mauled Carlos Jacobo in his previous match on October 15 last year also at the Hoops Dome.

Meanwhile, three title bouts will spice up the show bankrolled by Sammy 'Don King" Gello-ani of SGG Sports Promotions in partnership with Sampson Boxing LLC and AKTV.

The unbeaten Froilan "The Sniper" Saludar (14-0-1, 11KOs) of Polomolok, South Cotabato will defend his WBO Youth flyweight belt against Alejandro Morales (13-1-1, 7KOs) of Los Mochis, Mexico, while Jerwin Canlas (13-0-1, 5KOs) of Panabo City will slug it out with Mark Anthony Geraldo (22-4-3) of Valencia, Bukidnon for the WBO Asia-Pacific Youth super flyweight crown.

On the other hand, Adones Cabalquinto (10-0, 8KOs) of Bacoor, Cavite will go up against Dan Nazareno (16-7, 12KOs) for the Philippine light welterweight plum. (FREEMAN)