One of the fortuitous consequences of Manny Pacquiao’s rocket ride to stardom is his single-handedly forging a new generation of fighters and boxing fans. Especially in his native Philippines, where Pacquiao’s success has inspired thousands of kids to take up the gloves and imitate their hero. Some like Nonito Donaire and Donnie Nietes have already fashioned themselves into champions, and Donaire is either on the cusp of or in most observers ‘pound for pound’ ratings. The Philippines will not lack for champions in the next decade. But can it produce another superstar like Pacquiao? Without dismissing Nonito Donaire, some believe ‘Marvelous’ Marvin Sonsona has a chance to become the next iconic figure in Filipino boxing.
Pacquiao will be thirty-one years old in December , and if he wishes can continue to fight for another three to five years. Boxing does not look too far into its own future, that comes with a sport where one bad beating can ruin a promising career, but still managed to make the star transition from Muhammad Ali to Ray Leonard, to Mike Tyson, to Oscar De La Hoya, and now Manny Pacquiao. Could Pacquiao hand over the reins to someone he inspired? At the tip of the young Filipino talent spear is 14-0 Marvin Sonsona, a 19 year-old southpaw who already owns the WBO jr. bantamweight title. Like Pacquiao he has knockout power (86% kayo ratio), and he displayed previously hidden versatility by outboxing veteran Joe Lopez (who had not lost in eight years) to win the title. At 5’7 Sonsona is just as tall as Pacquiao, but uses that size more in the controlled style of an Arguello than Pacquiao. Early returns and his physique indicate Sonsona possess the tools to win titles in multiple weight classes.
Let’s establish one fact immediately; there is only one Manny Pacquiao. A once-in-a- lifetime phenom to whom comparison can be made, but who will never be replicated. Much like the legendary Henry Armstrong differed from Ray Leonard, or Carlos Monzon from Ray Robinson. Both sets of men are great in their own unique way. Marvin Sonsona has legitimate power, and surprised many with his cunning against the more experienced Jose Lopez as the rounds wore on in their title fight. The youngster displayed a calm mind as well as judicious ring movement after getting cut, and absorbed nearly half a dozen low blows without retaliating. Stamina was a concern entering the Lopez fight, with Sonsona having only gone five rounds previously, but he was not worn down by the exceedingly tough scrap against a more physical foe.
Perhaps the only American journalist who has gotten to see Sonsona fight in person is boxing radio talk show host Bill Calogero (who broadcasts a 2 hour show every weekday at http://www.TalkinBoxing.com), and Calogero came away impressed by what he witnessed. “Sonsona has great hand speed. A good jab, and power in both hands. During his fight with Lopez you could tell he was trying to do the right things, work the body, throw meaningful punches, and for the most part was able to.” Calogero sat ringside for Sonsona’s title winning performance. “What a fight! I was thinking he (Sonsona) was way in over his head, but he showed poise for a 19-year-old. I think the most impressive point of his victory was his consistency. He came on when I thought the kid would wither. Everyone was on their feet by the final bell, there wasn’t one person in the arena that didn’t like this kid after witnessing his title win.”
The victory over Lopez established Marvin Sonsona as the youngest world titlist boxing has today, and he is the second youngest Filipino champion ever after Morris East (who held a jr. welterweight belt for a brief period in the early 1990’s). Sonsona grew up in the same General Santos City streets as Manny Pacquiao, where Marvin got into some juvenal fights that landed him in a holding cell on a couple nights. To direct excess energy and teach his son discipline Marvin’s father taught him how to box. A talent and passion were discovered. Writer Anson Wainwright, of 15.rounds.com, asked Sonsona about growing comparisons between he and Pacquiao. “There is only one Manny Pacquiao. However, both of us are making our own place in history. I certainly hope that with the grace of our Lord, as Marvin Sonsona, I will also have my name known as one of the greatest boxers of all times.”
For that to happen Sonsona must first defeat battle tested Alejandro Hernandez on Saturday night. Hernandez is not a big puncher, but he has a good chin and is a patient counterpuncher who prefers for an opponent to lead. The 23-year-old Hernandez enters with a record of 22-7-1, and it is never wise to discount or underestimate any young Mexican challenger. Sonsona says he is ready for Hernandez, having sparred with lightweights back in Manila, but let’s his team worry about the opponent until the bell rings. Telling Anson Wainwright, “I actually don’t know anything about him, have not seen any of his fight.” Sonsona even ventured a peak into his future beyond Hernandez. “I may sound bragging, but I just have too much self-confidence. I expect to stay at 115, and maybe after a year I’ll go up to 118 or 122.”
Sonsona returns to Ontario Canada’s Casino Rama, where he won the WBO belt, to make the first defense of his title against Alejandro Hernandez. The charismatic champion already has a solid fan base in Canada, both transplanted Filipinos and Canadians, and his style is sure to make him a hit in any American venue once he ventures south. Some thought the cold climate and time change could affect Sonsona adversely, but youthful resilience must have aided him because he did not show any adverse signs in the ring on his last trip to Canada. To become a true international star Sonsona will have to become used to the travel demands, as great Filipino boxers of other generations like Pancho Villa and Flash Elorde did. But, of course, all modern day comparison will be made to Manny Pacquiao.
An astute Bill Calogero has heard the comparisons of Marvin Sonsona to Pacquiao as well, and points to one early advantage Sonsona has over Manny Pacquiao. “They love him in the Philippines. They are touting him as the ‘Next Manny Pacquiao’. I am not sure about that yet, but at 19 he is certainly driving the same route. Except he has a solid team around him now, which is much earlier than Manny did.” That is a good point, with Sonsona trained by an undervalued Nonito Donaire Sr. and guided by the wise hand of veteran boxing insider Allan Tremblay. Calogero wrapped up his thoughts on Sonsona, “I think he will win belts in several weight classes by the time it’s all over. If there ever was a young prospect for fans to follow now, it’s him. On the personal side, he is soft spoken and respectful.“
Pacquiao is a rare exception in boxing, a lighter weight non-American boxer who achieved crossover appeal among mainstream sport fans. Lighting will have to strike twice for Marvin Sonsona to even reach headline PPV status. Not all is dependent on Sonsona either, since worthy competition is part of any star’s rise to greatness and the acclaim that comes with defeating high caliber opposition. For now all are content for Sonsona to gain more experience, and get a couple title defenses under his belt in the process. However, Pacquiao’s ascension has given rise to high expectations from Filipino audiences. Following in the wake of a legend is often more difficult than a man blazing his own path, and the route which Sonsona travels is largely in the hands of fate. The first step in that long journey begins tomorrow night.
Source: secondsout.com
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