Philippines, 05 Jul 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:

  • Abdullah Mason Stops Albert Bell To Defend Lightweight Crown
    , Sun, 05 Jul 2026
  • CARLO BIADO IS THE 2026 INDONESIA INTERNATIONAL OPEN CHAMPION
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 05 Jul 2026
  • Fight options for Manny
    By Joaquin Henson, , Sun, 05 Jul 2026
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The World Cup: a great celebration of peace and joy
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Sun, 05 Jul 2026
  • Abdullah Mason vs Albert Bell Debuts DAZN/TNT Sports Deal
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 04 Jul 2026
  • Jonas Magpantay advances to the quarterfinals
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 04 Jul 2026
  • Weigh-In Results: Abdullah Mason vs. Albert Bell
    , Sat, 04 Jul 2026
  • All Set for the All-Undefeated Clash Between Christopher Guerrero and Delante 'Tiger' Johnson Tomorrow Night in Cleveland
    , Sat, 04 Jul 2026
  • Brave Alvin "Felemon" Dologuin Bested in Australia
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 04 Jul 2026
  • BKFC TRIUMPHANTLY RETURNS TO NEWARK’S PRUDENTIAL CENTER ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
    , Sat, 04 Jul 2026
  • Tony Yoka forced to withdraw from Murat Gassiev WBA heavyweight title shot due to back injury
    , Sat, 04 Jul 2026
  • Recarte Tiauson wins Canlaon chess
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 04 Jul 2026
  • Press Conference Notes: Abdullah Mason and Albert Bell Set for All-Ohio World Title Clash Saturday LIVE on TNT & DAZN
    , Fri, 03 Jul 2026
  • Dologuin Fights Alsayyad: Flyweight Showdown Today in Australia
    By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 03 Jul 2026
  • Enano to fight for IBO Oceania featherweight title
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 03 Jul 2026
  • IM Garcia captures National Open chess title
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 03 Jul 2026
  • Open Workout: Abdullah Mason and Albert Bell Prepare For Saturday's All-Ohio World Title Showdown
    , Thu, 02 Jul 2026
  • Dela Peña stops Delos Santos, now ready for Slugfest
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 02 Jul 2026
  • A Filipino Champion’s Last Fourth of July: A Visit to Oaks Ball Park
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Thu, 02 Jul 2026
  • Amazing Muay Thai WBC 2026 Festival Consolidates Its Global Success in Bangkok
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 02 Jul 2026
  • IBA Bare Knuckle unveils star-studded fight card ahead of its first event in the USA
    , Thu, 02 Jul 2026
  • Eman-Perez trilogy being set up in August
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 01 Jul 2026
  • Macababayao to face again Latonio after 4 years in Slugfest
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 01 Jul 2026
  • Legendary Olympic Trainer Victor Pascual to be inducted into the Republica Dominicana Hall of Fame
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 01 Jul 2026
  • Abdullah Mason vs. Albert Bell Fight Week Events to Stream LIVE on Top Rank’s Social Media Channels
    , Wed, 01 Jul 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.