Immaturity blamed for Sonsona's shock loss

MANILA, Philippines - Cebu promoter Sammy Gello-ani yesterday called for Marvin Sonsona to totally change his attitude before resuming his boxing career if he hopes to become a world champion once more.

Sonsona, 19, lost to Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. on a fourth round knockout in a bid for the vacant WBO superbantamweight crown in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, last weekend. It was Sonsona’s first loss ever in a career that started only three years ago.

Gello-ani conspired with international matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz to arrange the title shot for Sonsona. They also negotiated the fight where Sonsona upset Jose (Carita) Lopez to wrest the WBO superflyweight crown in Ontario last year.

Gello-ani, who was at ringside in Puerto Rico, said Sonsona took Vazquez lightly and paid a steep price for his overconfidence.

“It was a tactical error on Marvin’s part,” explained Gello-ani who arrived home with the fighter last Wednesday. “In between rounds, Marvin told (trainer) Dodong (Donaire) he could take Vazquez’ punches, that he would hang around the ropes and bait Vazquez to punch himself out. That wasn’t the original plan. But Marvin thought he could take Vazquez’ shots. His strategy was to tired out Vazquez then turn aggressive in the middle rounds. He never expected to get hit that hard.”

Gello-ani said Sonsona tried to get up after taking a vicious blow to the ribcage but he couldn’t breathe. Referee Luis Pabon counted him out.

“Marvin cried,” said Gello-ani. “Sampson was really disappointed. He had big plans for Marvin in May. Now, it’s back to the drawing boards.”

Gello-ani said Vazquez told Sonsona not to be too despondent.

“I salute Vazquez,” continued Gello-ani. “After winning, he went up to Marvin and told him not to give up, that he’s still young and growing, that he can become a world champion again someday if he keeps his focus and trains hard. Vazquez mentioned that he worked himself to the bone in the gym because he knew how good a fighter Marvin is, that he won for his family, that he knew to beat Marvin, he had to be in the best shape of his life, that it was his night and that maybe on another night, it will be Marvin’s.”

Gello-ani said he advised Sonsona to take a long rest before deciding if and when to come back to the ring but was surprised when the fighter asked for a bout in May.

“Marvin wants to redeem himself right away,” said Gello-ani. “But before he comes back, we’ll have to discuss what changes must be made. We’ll definitely bring in a conditioning coach to work on developing his muscles. We’ll decide what is his optimum weight. He has big bones so maybe, he’s fit to fight as a superbantamweight. He came in at 133 for Vazquez. But with more discipline in the gym, he could go down to 118 and be devastating as a bantamweight.”

Gello-ani said Sonsona must realize he can’t just rely on his skills to win.

“Our initial plan was to train in Baguio but we decided to bring him to the US to avoid distractions,” said Gello-ani. “He has lots of friends who hang around and he’s of course very attractive to girls. Before leaving for the US, I had to rebook his ticket from General Santos City thrice because he couldn’t get himself to go. He finally left Manila last Jan. 6 to train at the Kennel Gym with Dodong and Arvin Jugarap in San Leandro, near the Bay Area. The problem was we couldn’t get US visas for his manager Dr. Rajan Yraola and his long-time trainer Jun Agrabio.”

Yraola and Agrabio, who were with Sonsona when he beat Lopez in Ontario, were denied in four attempts to apply for a US visa. They never made it to Puerto Rico.

“It’s not an excuse but the presence of Doc and Jun would’ve helped,” said Gello-ani. “Before the fight, I found Marvin too loose, too cocky. Honestly, I don’t think he is a complete fighter at this stage but he has the potential to become one. He’s just too immature. He isn’t mentally and physically prepared for a big fight. He doesn’t take his training too seriously. He likes to eat and doesn’t care about putting on weight until it’s a few weeks before the weigh-in. We’ve got to overhaul his outlook. It’s a pity if he doesn’t put his mind to improving because he’s such a talented fighter. He reminds me of Oscar Larios whom Manny Pacquiao once fought in Manila. The Puerto Rican fans love him. Everywhere Marvin went in Puerto Rico, he was mobbed.”

Gello-ani said the US battalion commander in Fort Buchanan, Bayamon, Col. Edwin Domingo, is a Filipino and a Sonsona fan, too.

“Col. Domingo is in charge of over 3,000 soldiers in his camp,” said Gello-ani. “After the weigh-in, he invited us for dinner. He’s a big boxing fan. We were surprised to know that the head of the US camp in Puerto Rico is a Filipino. We’re very proud of Col. Domingo.”

Gello-ani said it’s up to Sonsona whether or not he can bounce back with a bang.

“Marvin got a $50,000 purse for fighting Vazquez and he wasn’t even the champion,” he said. “I told Marvin I can get him opportunities but he has to deliver. I hope he learned from his mistakes. I hope he grows up. The sky’s the limit for Marvin but unless he changes his attitude totally, he won’t ever become a world champion again.”