CEBU, Philippines - Showing that he's determined to rebuild his reputation as a legitimate world title contender, former WBO super flyweight champion Marvin "Marvelous" Sonsona (16-1, 13KOs) dished out a resounding but controversial fifth round TKO win over Carlos "El Flaco" Fulgencio (19-6, 12KOs) of Dominican Republic in the main event of the “Pinoy Knockout I” last Saturday night at the Hoops Dome in Brgy. Gun-ob, Lapu-Lapu City.
The deciding moment came in round five when the two warriors traded solid shots at close range, but it was Sonsona who landed a perfect left uppercut that sent Fulgencio down on both knees.
As Fulgencio made the most from the recovery time, referee Tony Pesons suddenly waved off the bout at the 1:41 of the round, thereby, drawing protest from Fulgencio and his handlers. Fulgencio was apparently up at the count of nine but Pesons decided otherwise to the surprise of fans.
Even fight promoter Sammy "Don King" Gello-ani believed that the stoppage was too premature, spoiling what could have been a very entertaining duel between the two gallant ring gladiators.
"Honestly I am impressed and happy with Marvin's performance but I think the stoppage was premature," said Gello-ani. "We saw that Fulgencio can still fight and he could have continued it because he is a tough boxer."
Still, Gello-ani was very impressed with Sonsona that he already booked his prized ward for another major fight in the undercard of Johnriel Casimero's IBF light flyweight title defense against Mexican Sammy Gutierrez on May 13 at the Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
“Marvin will be fighting again on May 13, possibly against an Argentinean," said Gello-ani. “It will be his baptism of fire in the featherweight division."
The 21-year-old Sonsona acknowledged his moving up in weight and expressed outright his readiness to face the big names in the featherweight class including the more popular Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista of the Cebu's fabled ALA Boxing Gym.
“I feel comfortable in the featherweight and I am ready against the big names fighting in the division including Boom Boom (Bautista),” said the pride of General Santos City.
In his farewell bout as a super bantamweight, Sonsona showed some class in subduing the very game Fulgencio.
After a good opening assault, Sonsona caught Fulgencio with vicious body shots in round three. The boxer from Dominican Republic countered not only by punching but also by taunting Sonsona, inciting howls of disapproval from the crowd.
Sonsona was in full control until Pesons put a rather controversial end to an exciting match-up.
In the supporting bouts, the undefeated Froilan ‘The Sniper’ Saludar (15-0, 11KOs) hammered out a lopsided unanimous decision victory over Mexican Alejandro Morales (13-2, 7KOs) to retain his WBO Youth and Asia- Pacific flyweight crowns, while Mark Anthony Geraldo (23-4, 10KOs) of Valencia, Bukidnon dethroned Jerwin Ancajas (13-1, 5KOs) of Panabo City to snatch the WBO Asia-Pacific Youth super flyweight belt.
In the other featured match of AKTV IBC 13's inaugural program co-presented by SGG Sports Promotions and Sampson Boxing LLC, Adones Cabalquinto (11-0, 8KOs) claimed the vacant Philippine light welterweight title after beating Dan Nazareno (16-8, 12KOs) by unanimous verdict. (FREEMAN)