Comparisons to fellow countryman Manny Pacquiao may be premature, but there’s no denying that teenage sensation Marvin Sonsona is enjoying the residual effects of Pacman’s unprecedented popularity in the Philippines and abroad. The fact that his name is even mentioned in the same breath as Pacquiao's is enough to get the boxing world buzzing, and that bodes well for Rumble at Rumble X.
Sonsona, who is just 19, will be headlining Saturday night’s card at Casino Rama, where he’ll make the first defence of his WBO Jr. Bantanweight title against respected contender Alejandro “Payasito” Hernandez (22-7-1, 11 KO’s).
Sonsona wrested the title from an aging but still dangerous Jose Lopez at Rumble at Rama IX, so he’ll be in familiar territory.
“To all the Filipinos who have supported me, thank you very much and I hope I will deliver again this Saturday to defend my title,” Sonsona said through an interpreter during Thursday’s press conference at the Delta Chelsea Hotel in Toronto.
Hernandez sat stoically through most of the conference, but assured the throngs of journalists on hand that he’ll be ready once the bell rings Saturday.
“I know it’s going to be a very hard fight, I know Sonsona is a very young and hungry guy, like myself. Come Saturday it’s going to be a great fight.
Promoter and President of Orion Sports Allen Tremblay expects fireworks.
“It’s (Hernandez’s) once in a lifetime opportunity to step in and win a world championship, he’s in the same position that Marvin was in last time around.
“It’s great to have Marvin back. What an exciting experience he gave us on the big stage last time out and we’re delighted to have him back to defend the title.”
Sonsona Battles Lopez During Rumble At Rama IX
The card will also feature the ‘Canadian Kid’ Steve Molitor, who is on a so-far successful bid to retain the title he lost to a power-punching Celestino Caballero in November, 2008. Since then he’s battled to a hard fought decision over Heriberto Ruiz in an IBF eliminator, and followed that up with dominant KO over an over-matched but brave challenger in Argentina’s Dario Azuaga in September.
Molitor celebrates his KO victory over Dario Azuaga
Saturday’s bout against late replacement Jose Saez (17-8-4, 8 KO’s) shouldn’t derail his title hopes, but Molitor knows you can’t take anyone lightly in the unforgiving confines of the squared circle.
“Jose Saez, he’s a tough guy, he’s coming here, he has nothing to lose. As always, we’ve prepared to the best of our ability. I’m looking to put on another spectacular performance this Saturday,” Molitor said, adding that he knows little about his opponent.
“I’ve been in the ring so many times in my career that I’m prepared for everything. Obviously I like to have some tape (of the fighter) if I can get it, but we can’t so you have to deal the cards that are dealt to us and that’s it.”
Molitor’s trainer, Chris Johnson, believes his pupil will show the same aggression he showed in his last outing, where he somewhat uncharacteristically sat down on his punches and let the leather fly.
“What you are going to see from Steve, is a more confident and explosive fighter than he’s ever been, Steve Molitor has improved in droves,” he beamed. “I’ve said that Steve is a lot better fighter than he fights in the ring and I think in the next few fights to come you’re going to see everything materialize.”
Hopefully that will lead Molitor back to a world title, and back to headlining status, although he admits he doesn’t mind the attention being thrown on Sonsona.
“There’s always pressure because I know what’s on the horizon for me. I’m a professional, every time I want to go out and perform whether I’m the first fight of the night or the last fight, so there’s always pressure.
“Hopefully (I’ll get a title shot) my next fight, but that’s for Allan Tremblay to go out and do his thing, and make things happen. I take one fight at a time, I’m not thinking past Saturday night, after that I’ll sit down with Allan and we’ll see where we go from there.”
michael.talbot@citynews.rogers.com
Other Action At Saturday’s Rumble At Rama X:
Jr. Featherweight 122 Pounds - 8 Rounds.
Ciso Morales (13-0, 8 KO’s) Vs. Miguel Gonzalez (10-1, 4 KOs)
Heavyweight Over 200 Pounds – 10 Rounds
Greg Kielsa (10-0, 5 KO’s) Vs. Jason Bergman (9-8, 6 KO’s)
Welterweight 147 Pounds, 4 Rounds
Justin Fountain (6-1-2, 2 KO’s) Vs. Frankie Abbiw (4-3, 1 KO)
Welterweight 147 Pounds, 4 Rounds
Felix Mercedes (3-0, 2 KO’s) Vs. Todd Furler (0-0-1)
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