Sampson not giving up on Sonsona

MANILA, Philippines - International promoter Sampson Lewkowicz is convinced that former WBO superflyweight champion “Marvelous” Marvin Sonsona has what it takes to become the next Manny Pacquiao despite his recent knockout loss to Wilfredo Vazquez Jr.

Lewkowicz said the other day he was in a state of depression after Sonsona lost the WBO 115-pound title on the scales then barely escaped defeat by drawing with Alejandro Hernandez and only last month, was counted out in a foiled bid for the vacant WBO superbantamweight crown. The Uruguay impressario, who now lives in Las Vegas, was in Arlington, Texas, last weekend to witness Pacquiao’s one-sided win over Joshua Clottey.

Sonsona, 19, was widely described as a “one-hit wonder” after a brief reign as WBO titlist and not a few experts are writing him off as a serious contender because of lack of discipline and immaturity.

“How far Marvin will go is up to him,” said Lewkowicz, known as the matchmaker who gave Pacquiao his first US break by arranging the shot at the IBF superbantamweight crown worn by Lehlo Ledwaba in 2001. “I still think of all the Filipino fighters today, he has the most potential to become the next Pacquiao. He has explosive talent and Manny’s charisma. I consider the draw with Hernandez a loss so in my view, Marvin has to recover from two straight defeats. But whether he recovers or not isn’t up to me or his manager or his trainer. It’s up to him.”

Lewkowicz was surprised when informed that Sonsona has asked Cebu promoter Sammy Gello-ani to negotiate a comeback fight in May.

“If that’s true, I’m flying out to General Santos City on the first flight available,” said Lewkowicz. “I want to talk to the kid, find out what’s on his mind. If he wants to fight right away, it’s fine. That means his pride is hurting. I just hope he’s learned his lessons from his last two fights.”

Lewkowicz said if Sonsona wins his comeback fight impressively, he will bring him to Oxnard, near Los Angeles, to train with Gabriel Sarmiento.

“I believe in the kid,” said Lewkowicz. “His trainer Jun Agrabio wasn’t with him when he was preparing for Vazquez. I dropped by his camp for a few days and saw Nonito (Donaire Sr.) working the mitts. Marvin looked like a million bucks on the mitts but I noticed nobody was paying attention to strengthening his abs. I asked Nonito about it and he told me not to worry.”

This year, two of Donaire Sr.’s fighters were knocked out by single body shots in world title fights. Ciso Morales went down from a blow to the solar plexus by WBO bantamweight champion Fernando Montiel and Sonsona was also knocked out by a punch to the body.

Lewkowicz said Donaire Sr. will no longer handle Sonsona. He said Morales has no future as a world contender unless he fights with heart.

Sarmiento trains Lewkowicz’ fighter Sergio Martinez, an Argentinian now living in Spain. Martinez will take on WBC and WBO middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik in Atlantic City on April 17. Another fighter under Sarmiento’s wing is undefeated Victor Cayo who faces Marcos Maidana for the interim WBA lightwelterweight title in Las Vegas on March 27.

Lewkowicz, who visits the Philippines regularly to confer with Gello-ani and check out rising stars, said he is involved in finalizing plans for Bert Batawang to fight former IBF lightflyweight titlist Ulises Solis in Mexico and Johnriel Casimero to challenge WBO lightflyweight champion Ivan Calderon of Puerto Rico.

“I’m doing my best to give Filipino fighters a break in the world market,” said Lewkowicz. “That’s because I love the Filipino people. In Manny’s case, Murad Muhammad likes to take credit for giving his break. But boxing people know I convinced Murad to sign up Manny. I don’t expect anything from Manny. He owes me nothing. I’ve been more than compensated with the recognition by Filipino fans in the US and the Philippines. When I walk into a boxing stadium in Las Vegas, the Filipino fans call out my name. It’s an honor to be considered a Filipino.”

Lewkowicz said Batawang, 38, is in the twilight of a long career and a win over Solis will be a major lift. In 2007, Solis stopped Batawang to retain his IBF diadem in Guadalajara. A win by either fighter will lead to a crack at the world crown. Last September, Solis outpointed Dircen Cabaren in Cancun in his first bout since losing the IBF title to Brian Viloria.