Sonsona takes on Vasquez in grudge rematch

CEBU, Philippines - Former WBO super  flyweight champion Marvin “Marvelous” Sonsona (18-1-1, 15KOs) will try to show that he is ready for another world title run as he trades fistic bombs with his former tormentor Wilfredo ‘Papito’ Vazquez  Jr. of  Puerto Rico (23-3, 19KOs) in an expected grudge rematch today at the Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Sonsona and Vazquez will battle for the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) featherweight title on the undercard of the light middleweight world championship showdown between Argentine champion Sergio Martinez and Puerto Rican star Miguel Cotto.

The 23-year-old Sonsona is coming off a sensational third round knockout of Japanese veteran Akifumi Shimoda to capture the WBO International featherweight belt last February 22 at the Cotai Arena of The Venetian in Macau.

“This is an important fight for me. He (Vazquez) is a tough opponent especially that he beat me the first time, but I want the result to be different this time,” said the General Santos City-native fighter.

After his training camp in the United States under the guidance of Filipino trainer Nonito Donaire Sr., Sonsona showed extreme conditioning and confidence during the official weigh-in yesterday where he tipped the scales at 125.8 pounds, same as Vazquez.

During their first meeting four years ago, Sonsona lost his WBO super bantamweight crown after being knocked out by Vazquez in the fourth round.

For his part, Vazquez will try to resurrect his career after suffering key losses against elite boxers including Jorge Arce, and Nonito Donaire Jr. (FREEMAN)