The youngest World Champion in Boxing is “Marvelous” Marvin Sonsona he’s only 19 and not 20 until next July. Having only turned pro in July 2007 he has quickly trail blazed his way to a world title when in the September he became WBO Super Flyweight champion when he beat vastly more experienced Jose Lopez back in September. His record is currently as pristine 14-0(12) with his first defence scheduled for 21 November at the Rama in Canada where he’s promoted by Orion Sports. He’s been compared by some to a young Manny Pacquiao. He’s a southpaw and tall for the weight at 5′7 and also hails from Pacquiao’s hometown of General Santos City. While that’s high praise it’s Sonsona’s hope that he can emulate some of his hero’s work. Here’s what he had to say
Hello Marvin, welcome to 15rounds.com
Anson Wainwright – Firstly, congratulations on winning the WBO Super flyweight title back in September, what can you tell us about the fight looking back?
Marvin Sonsona – Well, it was a hard fight. I never expected Lopez to be that good. Well, he is a champion! My being young however gave me the much needed confidence that I can win the fight. All I had to do was listen to my corner and do what is there to do and I prayed hard.
Anson Wainwright – How have things changed for you since winning the title? How much more popular in the Philippines are you now?
Marvin Sonsona – Things have really changed for me since I won the title. Before I went to Canada, I was an unknown for the media. They did not notice me since I was not much on the news. I wasn’t hyped at all. But as they say, when you become a celebrity, they ask for interviews which is but natural. Lots of people recognized me now as the lanky, young, world champion.
Anson Wainwright – You will be back in action quickly. You will be fighting Alejandro Hernandez, what do you know about him?
Marvin Sonsona – I actually don’t know anything about him – have not seen any of his fight. But, I don’t care. All I want is to fight the best I can and retain my title.
Anson Wainwright – Though I’m sure you aren’t looking past Hernandez, what are your goals in boxing?
Marvin Sonsona – I wish to give a good fight every chance I get. I also want to make history in my own way.
Anson Wainwright – You gate crashed the world scene when you won the world title, what can you tell us about yourself that we may not know and what you enjoy doing away from boxing?
Marvin Sonsona – I am a very simple person. Ever since, I always love playing with kids if I am not training. I also prefer to be with my family when I do not have a fight.
Anson Wainwright – The fight will take place in Canada again at the Rama. Is that because you’re promoted by Orion Sports?
Marvin Sonsona – I think so. All I know is that I have a fight and I have to do the best I can.
Anson Wainwright – Who is part of Team Sonsona? Your manager, trainer, promoter, etc.
Marvin Sonsona – Well, they are of course my manager, Dr. & Dr. Rajan Yraola who are both dentists, my international promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz , Philippine promoter, Samson Gello-ani and my trainers, Nonito Donaire, Sr, Jun Agrabio and Jojo Palacios.
Anson Wainwright – Many people have compared you to Manny Pacquiao, what do you make of the comparisons?
Marvin Sonsona – We are both from General Santos City but Pacquaio is Pacquaio. 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.
Anson Wainwright – Before the Lopez fight, you hadn’t fought as high as 115 lbs., what made you take the fight with Lopez instead of looking to fight for a world title at 112? Would you like to go down to 112 or is your future now at 115?
Marvin Sonsona – We watched the video of Lopez and right there and then, I know that I will come out the winner. The team was actually hesitant at first to accept the fight because I am too young and has never fought more than 5 rounds. I was also too lanky for my height. I do not have the muscles that are associated with boxers. But I told them that I will win. It was the same when I fought Wandee Singwancha last May 28 in Cebu. When everybody saw him, they had second thoughts on my winning. When I met Singwancha during the weigh-in, I told them that I can tackle him and win the fight. 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.
Anson Wainwright – What can you tell us about your life from when you were growing up and how it took you into boxing?
Marvin Sonsona – I had a difficult growing up years. I grew up with street children, sleeping on the streets, got into street fights in General Santos. I was walking IN and OUT of jail because of these fights. My life had no direction. It was a day to day activity, until my father started teaching me how to box. For me to obey him, he had to bribe me with soda and bread, otherwise, no training.
Anson Wainwright – Who are your boxing heroes?
Marvin Sonsona – Manny Pacquaio, Gerry Pe?alosa and Nonito Donaire, Jr.
Anson Wainwright – What do you make of the other world champions at 115 WBC, Vic Darchinyan; WBA Nobau Nashiro and IBF Simphiwe Nonggayi?
Marvin Sonsona – They are all good and I hope I will have the chance to fight them all, the sooner the better.
Anson Wainwright – Finally, do you have a message for your fans in the Philippines and the rest of the world?
Marvin Sonsona – First, I want to thank all those who have supported me during my first championship fight in Canada. It was them who gave me the confidence I needed for the fight. It helped me work harder. For this fight, I hope that you will continue to support me and please offer your prayers for me, winning the title and for all the boxers on the same card, that we will all be safe. We will all be in God’s hands. What I can do is fight the best I can and retain the title for the glory of God and our country .
Thanks for your time Marvin and Good luck in your upcoming title fight.
Anson Wainwright
