by Ronnie Nathanielsz

Former world WBO super flyweight champion “Marvelous” Marvin Sonsona (16-1-1, 13 KO’s) is in line for a regional title shot later this year.

Promoter Sammy Gello-ani told BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard he is impressed with Sonsona’s dedication and commitment following a 20 month layoff after he lost by a 4th round TKO to Wilfredo Vazquez Jr in a WBO super bantamweight title fight in Puerto Rico on February 27, 2010..

Since his comeback Sonsona has scored back-to-back victories. He won a ten round unanimous decision over Carlos Jacobo of Mexico  after dropping him in the 8th round last October 15, 2011 and then scored a 5th round knockout over Carlos Fulgencio after dropping the  hard-hitting, lanky fighter from the Dominican Republic in the same round.

Both fights were telecast on a slightly delayed basis on the "Pinoy Knockout" boxing show over AKTV IBC 13.

Gello-ani said Sonsona has been working in the gym during the Holy Week and only skipped training on Good Friday . Gello-ani said “everything is okay and I’m happy.”

Gello-ani said he would work on getting Sonsona a regional title fight later this year. 

At the same time the well-known promoter said he may be forced to push back the IBF light flyweight interim title defense of Johnriel Casimero (16-2, 10 KO’s) against against Mexico’s Sammy Gutierrez (31-7-2, 21 KO’s) originally set for May because of a clash with the date on which WBO flyweight champion Brian Viloria defends his crown against Mexican Omar Nino Romero in a much awaited trilogy.

Gello-ani  disclosed he is still working on a television partnership but is determined to stage the fight in Manila sometime in June.

Casimero won the interim title with a 10th round TKO over Argentina’s Luis Lazarte after dropping Lazarte twice in round nine and once in round ten in a fight that was marred by a post-fight riot last February 10.

Gutierrez earned the shot at Casimero  after winning the WBC silver title with a 5th round TKO over game but overmatched Filipino Roilo Golez.