Sonsona and Lopez Say Little, Promise A Lot

Posted on | September 2, 2009 | No Comments

Filipino Upstart Slugger and WBO Jr. Bantamweight Champ Vow to Wage War at Rumble at Rama IX

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.”