Philippines, 01 May 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


SONSONA, LOPEZ MEET FACE TO FACE


PhilBoxing.com




TORONTO -- Team Sonsona is headed to the Rumble at Rama anytime now. At the time I saw Marvin Sonsona?he was a few pounds over his weight limit of 115lbs.? Having met to interview his Manager? Dr. Rajan Yraola and Team Sonsona at the Cabbagetown Boxing club, all were very accommodating with welcoming me and answering any questions I had and it was certainly my pleasure to finally meet the legendary promoter Sammi Gello-Ani in person. ?

I mentioned to Dr. Raj that many fans are eager to know about this young and up and coming GenSan boxer, his style and how he is progressing with his training in Toronto.? It’s been a very usual summer here this year which is cooler than normal but according to Dr. Raj, the time zone difference and the cool weather has not affected Marvin’s training and conditioning.??

I mentioned that Marvin is in the fight of his life against veteran Jose Carita Lopez who has not lost in eight years.? Sonsona is ready and primed to go as I seen him work with his fast hands in motion with Coach Nonito Donire Sr.? Marvin plans to stay at this weight class for a few years, three if possible and you will see that his style boxing could be very close to Nonito Donire jr’s ring savvy as mentioned by Dr. Raj.?

I interviewed Jason Abelson, Fight network journalist and Ed Lee from Atin Ito Filipino-Canadian Media shortly after the presser at the Delta Chelsea Hotel, Gerrard St. location who gave me these quotes from the presser.? For the first time today Jose Carita Lopez and Marvin Sonosa met face to face but there wasn’t a lot said but these are the quotes from the presser from each fighter.

Jose Carita Lopez said:

“I know he is a strong, fast fighter, but I didn’t work this hard to become champion just to give my belt away.”

“I respect my opponent greatly, but with all his skills, it’s nothing I haven’t seen and dealt with before.”

Marvin Sonsona said:

“I know this fight will be a tough one, but I’ve trained hard, and am confident that if I stick to my game plan I’ll come home a champion.”

“Lopez is a tough, tough man. This should be a great fight.”

Sonsona is facing the true test against a battle proven and championship tested warrior from Puerto Rico.? This matchup is a tall task but I believe Marvin has a good chance at snatching the belt from Lopez if he gets the older boxer into trouble early in the fight.? As Team Sonsona heads to Rumble at Rama today, many of us Filipino Canadians will cheer for him and hope that he may be blessed in the ring.

Top photo: Reigning Puerto Rican WBO superfly champion Jose 'Carita' Lopez (L) and Filipino challenger Marvin Sonsona meet in person for the first time during Tuesday's press conference at Chealsea Hotel in Toronto. Photo by Alan Tremblay.


L-R: World champion Jose Lopez, WBO official, Steve Molitor, Marvin Sonsona and promoter Sammy Gello-ani at the Chealsea Hotel in Toronto. Photo by Alan Trembay.


Team Sonsona in Toronto (L-R): Donaire, Sr., Gello-ani, Sonsona, Agrabio and Dr. Yraola.


Sonsona (L) doing the mitts with trainer Nonito Donaire, Sr.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rob Cruz.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Zurdo Ramirez vs Benavidez (Fight Analysis)
    By Ralph Rimpell, , Fri, 01 May 2026
  • WOLVERHAMPTON FIGHT WEEK FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE: EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID AS WALKER AND EGGINGTON GET SET FOR SHOWDOWN
    , Fri, 01 May 2026
  • VARGAS AND WHITTAKER AIM TO SHINE ON HUGE ZAYAS-BOOTS BROOKLYN STAGE
    , Fri, 01 May 2026
  • Ariza warns don’t underestimate Floyd
    By Joaquin Henson, , Fri, 01 May 2026
  • Weights From ‘Erdenebat vs. Breedy’ Event from Live! Casino Hotel Maryland & Broadcast Live on ProBoxTV
    , Fri, 01 May 2026
  • José "Chegui" Torres Award ceremony on May 2 in Ponce, Puerto Rico
    , Fri, 01 May 2026
  • Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani Look Awesome During Today's Presscon; Ready for Saturday's Historic Tokyo Dome Showdown!
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • Santig is IBF Promoter for Asia 2025
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • Jerusalem Arrives Early in Johannesburg Ahead of May 16 Title Defense
    , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • Confirmed Mayhem: Casimero vs Nery June 6 in Japan! (Long Analysis)
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • Vicelles is OPBF light fly champ
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • WBC Commemorative belt ¨Tollan Tlatequi¨ at stake on Benavidez-Ramirez super fight
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • Toro’s Talented Trio of Prospects Fighting in Mexico on May 15th
    , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • CONAH WALKER READY FOR AN ALL-OUT WAR AGAINST MIDLANDS RIVAL SAM EGGINGTON IN HIS HOMETOWN WOLVERHAMPTON – LIVE ON DAZN
    , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • IBA.PRO Champions Night in Saint Petersburg postponed due to unforeseen circumstances
    , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • 20th Philippine Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) Open on May 1
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • MELBOURNE FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS
    , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • Vicelles Decisions Diaz, Claims OPBF 108-lb Belt in Japan
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 29 Apr 2026
  • Stars feted at Pacquiao/Elorde Awards Night
    By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 29 Apr 2026
  • Magramo banners Blow-By-Blow show
    , Wed, 29 Apr 2026
  • IBA Bare Knuckle сard сonfirmed for St. Petersburg: IBA.PRO Champions Night
    , Wed, 29 Apr 2026
  • Magramo excited to fight Rementizo for new PBO title
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 29 Apr 2026
  • Angel “AK-47” Barrientes Dominates Luis Espinoza with Shutout Victory in Las Vegas
    , Wed, 29 Apr 2026
  • Manangquil is again Manager of the Year
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 29 Apr 2026
  • World Boxing confirms details of AIN procedure that will allow boxers from Russia and Belarus to take part in its competitions
    , Wed, 29 Apr 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.