Junior bantamweight titlist Jose Carita Lopez (39-7-2, 32 KOs) of Puerto Rico will make his first defense against the Philippines' Marvin Sonsona (13-0, 12 KOs) on Sept. 4 at Casino Rama in Rama, Ontario, according to Sonsona promoter Sampson Lewkowicz. Lewkowicz, who first brought Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao to the United States, believes Sonsona "is a future star of the Philippines, by far," he said. "Nobody in America believed in Pacquiao when I did, and I also believe in Sonsona."
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From dan Rafael's Notebook. Don't worry Sampson, I'm driving this train. People don't know who Sonsona is yet. Expect that to change soon. Too bad his first title shot is likely to be untelevised in the US. If he wins, he would be part of a very select group of fighters to win a title before turning 20.
