By Ronnie Nathanielsz

Former WBO world super flyweight champion failed to live up to his “Marvelous” moniker and settled for a majority decision win  over Jonathan “ Lil’ Thund’r” Arellano of California in what was billed as a “stay busy fight” by his handlers.

The fight took place on Saturday at the StubHub Center in Carson City, and it was described as a “close tactical affair” with Sonsona connecting with rapid counter-punches and then quickly darting out of trouble as Arellano was surprisingly the aggressor even though he was not known as a heavy hitter with only 3 knockouts in a record of 15 wins, 6 defeats and 2 draws.

However, Arellano came forward and pressured the lanky Filipino southpaw in the ten round featherweight bout.

Two of the judges, Sergio Caiz and Pat Russell  scored the fight for Sonsona 96-94 while the third judge, Eddie Hernandez scored it even at 65-65.

One of Sonsona’s handlers Dr. Rajan Yraola in whose Quezon City Gym Sonsona trained in the past when he won the world title, said that Sonsona “connected with two vicious uppercuts” but that Arellano wasn’t hurt and was clearly a tough and resilient opponent who could take a punch.

In an overseas telephone conversation with the New Standard/BoxingScene.com trainer Jhun Agrabio revealed that Sonsona “hurt his left hand in the fourth round and although Marvin landed several big shots to the body and head, Arellano survived.”

Agrabio indicated they plan a return to the ring in September but it would depend on how soon the injury to his hand, heals,

The one year layoff since his ten round split decision in a rematch with former world super bantamweight champion Wilfredo Vazquez Jr of Puerto Rico at Madison Square Garden on June 7, 2014 also appeared to take its toll on Sonsona.

Sonsona has been training at the Roy Jones Jr gym in Las Vegas with trainer Jhun Agrabio and “Memo” Heredia who apparently left weeks before the fight.