TORONTO, ON (Wednesday, September 2, 2009) – WBO Junior Bantamweight Champion Jose “Carita” Lopez (39-7-2, 32 KO’s) and his opponent, budding superstar “Marvelous” Marvin Sonsona (13-0, 12 KO’s), met for the first time at the final pre-fight press conference in advance of their title clash that tops Rumble at Rama IX, set for Friday, September 4th, at Casino Rama, in Rama, Ontario.
While both fighters had little to say to the assembled media on Wednesday, they promised that the subdued press conference was just the calm before the storm.
“I know he is a strong, fast fighter, but I didn’t work this hard to become champion just to give my belt away,” said Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico’s Lopez who after four previous attempts at a world title, finally tasted boxing glory in his last fight, a 12 round unanimous decision over Pramuansak Posuwan for the vacant WBO 115 lb. title.
“I respect my opponent greatly, but with all his skills, it’s nothing I haven’t seen and dealt with before.”
For the 19 year-old Sonsona, Lopez poses easily the most daunting challenge of his young career.
“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,” said Sonsona, who hails from General Santos City, in the Philippines, the same hometown as international boxing superstar, and Pinoy icon, Manny Pacquiao.
“Lopez is a tough, tough man. This should be a great fight.”
In his last fight, Sonsona burst on to the international boxing scene with a devastating second round TKO over former world champion Wandee Singwancha this past May, and put his name on the shortlist of elite boxing prospects.
And while the 19 year-old Sonsona is nearly half the age of the 37 year-old champion, and possesses power not normally seen in boxing’s lower weight classes, Lopez hasn’t lost since a unanimous decision setback in September of 2001 to Fernando Montiel, one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, and has gone 15-0-1 in the stretch, with 9 KO’s.
“This is such a great night of fights,” said Allan Tremblay, President of Orion Sports Management.
“We have such a competitive and compelling main event between a potential superstar in Sonsona, and a hardened, tough-as-nails vet in Lopez. Both guys throw bombs, and both come to put on a show. I really think we’re looking at a potential fight of the year candidate.”
In the evening’s co-feature, former IBF Junior Featherweight champion “The Canadian Kid” Steve Molitor (29-1, 11 KO’s) will face seasoned veteran Dario Azuaga (76-15-2, 64 KO’s) in an eight round bout.
“I’m excited to be a part of this great card, and eager to get another crack at a world title,” said Molitor, who has reunited with his previous trainer Chris Johnson, who skippered Molitor’s corner during his title winning effort over Michael Hunter in November of 2006, and four successful title defenses.
“Everything is pointing in the right direction. I just have to be patient and take care of business against Azuaga.”
ABOUT: Orion Sports Management is an Ontario based promotional company known for staging first class boxing events. Run by former Canadian Airline executive Allan Tremblay, Orion is the force behind Ontario’s biggest match ups, from their launch event at The Air Canada Centre (“The Night Of The Hurricane”) to a series of televised events in the Niagara region featuring “Baby Joe” Mesi, Razor Ruddock, Egerton Marcus, Chad Brisson, and Steve Molitor.
Operating 24-hours a day, seven days a week since July 31, 1996, Casino Rama is Ontario’s only First Nation’s commercial casino. The Casino offers a complete entertainment experience with over 2,500 slot machines, more than 110 gaming tables, nine unique restaurants; a world-class 5,000 seat Entertainment Centre and a 300-room all-suite, full-service hotel, featuring spa and health club facilities. Casino Rama is operated by Penn National Gaming, Inc.
