Sonsona vows convincing win vs Dominican Rep foe

CEBU, Philippines  – Former WBO super flyweight titlist Marvin Sonsona will be a man on a mission as he slugs it out with Carlos Fulgencio 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 tonight.

“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.”

Sonsona, then 19, claimed the WBO 115-pound crown with a unanimous decision over Jose Lopez on Sept. 4, 2009 at Casino Rama in Ontario, Canada.

But he reigned for only two months after he was forced to yield his throne for failing to make the contracted weight limit in a fight against Alejandro Hernandez.

He decided to move up in the weight but was knocked out by Wilfredo Vasquez Jr. in the fourth round during their WBO super bantamweight championship match on Feb. 27, 2010 in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

However, Sonsona (15-1-1, 12 KOs) worked his way back to top form, eager to prove that he still has got what it takes to be a world champion again.

“I’m confident that I will get back to that level again. I know it will take time, that’s 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 beat Carlos Jacobo last Oct. 15 last year, also at the Hoops Dome, to mark his return to big-time boxing.

Fulgencio totes a 19-5-1 fight record, including 12 KOs.

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 Saludar (14-0-1, 11 KOs) of Polomolok, South Cotabato will defend his WBO Youth flyweight belt against Alejandro Morales (13-1-1, 7 KOs) of Los Mochis, Mexico, while Jerwin Canlas (13-0-1, 5 KOs) 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, 8 KOs) of Bacoor, Cavite will go up against Dan Nazareno (16-7, 12 KOs) for the Philippine light welterweight plum.