Philippines, 03 Feb 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


MARVIN WAS JUST TOO ?MARVELOUS?

PhilBoxing.com




During the October 4th 'Saga in Naga' in Cebu, youthful flyweight prospect ?Marvelous? Marvin Sonsona (9-0-0 8KOs) displayed tremendous skills to overwhelm Manila based prospect Joel Rafols (8-3-2) to win the vacant WBO Asia Pacific Youth Flyweight Title.

?It was absolutely a phenomenon, I have been in boxing for over 20 years being a trainer, manager and promoter and the two nights of boxing [Friday and Saturday in Talisay and Naga] showcased a lot of talented boxers. However, just one had stood out among all the prospects I've seen, this young kid 'Marvelous' is something special, he is a "jewel" displayed more than a talented prizefighter,? informed Las Vegas based promoter Dante Ortiz.

"At the age of 18 and a standout in his amateur career with more than 150 amateur fights and standing at 5?7?, he is something else. We believe we have something special, everyone in the Philippines will be taking notice of him," explained promoter Sammy Gello-ani.

Head of SGG Sports Promotions Sammy Gello-ani said that "with this victory of the WBO version of the youth title, WBO will now recognize him in the top 15 and I would like to thank the World Boxing Organization president Mr. Paco Valcarcel and chairman of the Asia Pacific region Mr. Leon Panoncillo for giving us the opportunity."

Meanwhile, Gello-ani who had produced back to back championship programs in Talisay and Naga this past weekend informed Philboxing that Marvelous Marvin will be kept active as long as he is healthy and well prepared. "I will be talking to his manager Dr. Rajan Yraola and his team for another scheduled defense sometime at the end of November which will also feature another of my prospect, WBO Oriental Interim Jr. Lightweight champion Rocky Marcial."

The Marvin Sonsona vs Joel Rafols bout last Saturday will be telecast by Viva Sports at a later date on the top-rated weekly boxing show ?The Main Event.?

Top photo: Sonsona (L) finishes off Joel Rafols in the 2nd round.


Sonsona poses for a photo after his 2nd round TKO victory with, from left, promoter Sammy Gello-ani, his father Ben Sonsona, Naga City mayor Val Chong, trainer Jun Agrabio, WBO Vice-President Leon Panoncillo and trainer Robert Bubuli.




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Gracie meets Zubiri in PH
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 02 Feb 2026
  • International Master Eric Labog Jr. rules FIDE rapid chess tourney
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 02 Feb 2026
  • 76ers star Paul George has been suspended for 25 NBA games by doping
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sun, 01 Feb 2026
  • Fit To Be Unified: Xander Zayas Defeats Abass Baraou To Unify Junior Middleweight World Titles
    , Sun, 01 Feb 2026
  • Fit To Be Unified: Xander Zayas Defeats Abass Baraou To Unify Junior Middleweight World Titles
    , Sun, 01 Feb 2026
  • Trazo beats Jabagat in Talisay
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 01 Feb 2026
  • Into fights Sanchez on Feb. 9 at Villa Kristen
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 01 Feb 2026
  • Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson: Styles Make Fights Fitting Cliche
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 31 Jan 2026
  • Bryan Flores Wins Majority Decision Over Starling Castillo in Main Event of ProBoxTV’s ‘The Contender Series’ at Live! Casino Hotel Maryland
    , Sat, 31 Jan 2026
  • KinetixSports Legacy Run on March 1
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 31 Jan 2026
  • THE RING 6: OFFICIAL WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER FOR TEOFIMO LOPEZ VS. SHAKUR STEVENSON
    , Sat, 31 Jan 2026
  • Legendary Soccer Player Sergio Ramos to make professional boxing debut
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 31 Jan 2026
  • Weigh-In Results: Xander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou
    , Sat, 31 Jan 2026
  • Teofimo vs Shakur Fight Analysis
    By Ralph Rimpell, , Sat, 31 Jan 2026
  • Rohan Polanco-Christian Gomez Welterweight Showdown Canceled
    , Sat, 31 Jan 2026
  • NEWCASTLE WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED AS MURTAZALIEV AND KELLY CLASH FOR WORLD TITLE
    , Fri, 30 Jan 2026
  • Boxers Make Weight for Brico Santig’s Exciting 21-Bout Promotion in Thailand (PHOTOS)
    By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 30 Jan 2026
  • “It’s time for TSABZ to shine” Get to know Tanaka Saburi as he retuns March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    , Fri, 30 Jan 2026
  • ATLANTIC CITY BOXING HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES CLASS OF 2026
    , Fri, 30 Jan 2026
  • Manny Pacquiao Chess Philippines: WCM Nika Juris Nicolas is Ready to Fight
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 30 Jan 2026
  • PFDA Grass Nationals in Tagum on June 5-7
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 30 Jan 2026
  • Press Conference Notes: Puerto Rican Star Xander Zayas Ready for Saturday's Hometown Unification Battle against Abass Baraou
    , Fri, 30 Jan 2026
  • PFDA Grass Nationals in Tagum on June 5-7
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 30 Jan 2026
  • ‘THE RING 6’ TEOFIMO LOPEZ VS. SHAKUR STEVENSON PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
    , Fri, 30 Jan 2026
  • NEWCASTLE PRESS CONFERENCE: WHAT WAS SAID AS JOSH KELLY AND BAKHRAM MURTAZALIEV ARE KEPT APART AFTER HEATED FACE-OFF
    , Fri, 30 Jan 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.