Christmas Present Arrives Early: Lewkowicz Renews Contract with Fortuna

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing got his Christmas present a day early this year, as former interim WBA World featherweight Champion Javier "El Abejon" Fortuna has renewed his long-term promotional contract. One of the sport's most exciting knockout punchers, 25-year-old Fortuna (26-0-1, 19 KOs), from the Dominican Republic, is considered an irreplaceable member of the Sampson Boxing stable. "This is my gift for this year, to continue working with a budding superstar like Javier," said Lewkowicz. "He is on the verge of stardom and, like all my fighters, he is also like a son to me. I admire all of their loyalty and I wish them all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays." Lewkowicz also says the future is looking bright once again for everyone in boxing and sends his warmest regards. "2015 will be a great year for my fighters and for boxing and I want to wish all my co-workers and brothers and sisters in boxing my sincerest wishes for a wonderful holiday." ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008. Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world's most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world's best fighters and most promising young contenders. Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

Lewkowicz Congratulates 'Pilon' Lara for Smashing Debut

Super bantamweight prospect Jorge "Pilon" Lara wanted to put on an impressive performance for his first fight under the promotional banner of Sampson Boxing... Mission accomplished. Fighting on the undercard of Saturday's Molina vs. Bundrage fight at the Oasis Hotel Complex in Cancun, Mexico, Lara (26-0-1, 18 KOs) dominated tough veteran Jovanny Soto, dropping him four times before stopping him in four brutal rounds. It was the first time Lara appeared since signing with Sampson Lewkowicz and Sampson Boxing for his promoters. Lewkowicz says he's more than impressed with the 23-year-old southpaw. "Lara looked like a star tonight," said a happy Lewkowicz. "I am proud to have him in my stable. He is another future champion I have I my stable at 122 lbs that also includes Oscar Escandon, Tyson Cave, Hugo Ruiz, Luis Emmanuel Cusolito, Jhonatan Arenas and Jonathan Guzman." Lara has already scored a first-round TKO over former WBC silver champion Oscar Ibarra and won the WBC FECOMBOX featherweight title with a TKO 6 over then 19-1 Oscar Arenas. The only blemish on Lara's record was an abbreviated technical draw in the first year of his career. "I want to thank Pepe Gomez, from Gomez Promotions, for the tremendous hospitality and professionalism in Cancun," continued Lewkowicz. "Lara will be very tough to beat in this division and so we are expecting big things from him. I'm very proud to be working with his team." Lara is advised by the powerful Al Haymon. ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008. Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world's most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world's best fighters and most promising young contenders. Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

Sampson Boxing Reaches Promotional Agreement with Canada's Tyson Cave

Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing is proud to announce the signing of Halifax, Nova Scotia's Tyson "Prince of Hali" Cave (24-2, 8 KOs) to a promotional agreement. A former five-time Canadian champion as an amateur (record 160-16), 32-year-old Cave has already won the WBC Continental Americas Super Bantamweight, the CAM (Canadian American Mexican) Super Bantamweight and the Canadian Super Bantamweight Championships as a professional. He is currently rated #5 in the world by the WBA. "It's a great honor to be joining Sampson's promotional stable. He works with guys like (former middleweight world champion) Sergio Martinez, and now I'm working with him," said Cave. "I've been working very hard and patiently waiting for the chance to reach my potential. I'm very grateful to Sampson Lewkowicz for investing in me. I won't disappoint him." A flashy, colorful and confident southpaw with excellent speed and movement, Cave says his greatest strength as a fighter is his unpredictability. "The great thing about me is I don't think I ever know what I'll do in the ring. I like the cameras and the limelight. I'm flashy. I jump. I come up with unique ways to hit a person and I'm very hard to hit back." Cave's trainer, Bunny Phillips from Titans Boxing Academy in Halifax, says the deal with Sampson Boxing will solve the one problem they have had with Cave's professional career, thus far. "The problem with Tyson has always been finding him fights. He makes guys look bad. We've been trying to get him fights all over the world and nobody will fight him, so this deal will allow us to let a world-class promoter like Sampson line the fights up for us." Robert Cave, Tyson's father and former promoter, agrees with Phillips that the deal with Sampson Boxing is a good fit and shares his son's lofty aspirations. "We are extremely delighted and looking forward to a great relationship. We plan on bringing another world championship to Sampson Boxing." Cave is not the shy type. His first fight under the Sampson promotional banner will be against stable mate Oscar Escandon late this year... a fight Cave feels is a bad career move for his opponent. "To be totally honest, Escandon is lucky to be #2 in the world. He's done his career the easy way. I've done it the hard way. I'm down here in Nova Scotia where nobody's ever heard of me. He gets these easy fights to build his record up and I'm here grinding. He better learn how to move and be ready for some unbelievable speed. I think he's flat-footed and it'll be a big problem for him that night." Cave's chief sparring partner, Dan Trenaman, agrees that Escandon is in for a surprise when the two meet. "I've sparred all over Canada and there's nobody that moves like Tyson and has his rhythm. He loves to perform and be in front of the crowd. He loves the lights. When your confidence is at 100% like his is, there are no nerves. He's got that kind of mentality. He's unpredictable and he's really become more of a puncher as he's advanced. He's really adapted to the pro game." Lewkowicz says he's happy to be able to help Cave's struggle with inactivity and is looking forward to giving him the chance to prove himself on the world stage. "Tyson is a very confident fighter," said Lewkowicz. "He wants the chance to become a world champion and said he needed help landing the fights to get him there. That's what I will do for him and I have great confidence in his ability to make the most of it." ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008. Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world's most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world's best fighters and most promising young contenders. Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

Campillo Looking for his Next 'Dance' Partner

Former world light heavyweight champion Gabriel Campillo (24-6-1, 11 KOs) is looking for his next dance partner. Coming off a career-rejuvenating victory over formerly undefeated Thomas Williams Jr., on August 1, live on ESPN Friday Night Fights at the Little Creek Casino in Shelton, Washington, in which he stopped Williams in five rounds, "The Handsome Man," Campillo next wants to "tango" with any other top light heavyweight in the world. "Gabriel Campillo, with his upset elimination-bout victory over the undefeated Williams, not only gained the right to be number two in the IBF ratings, but is also number nine in the WBC ratings," said his exclusive promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. "He is back and looking forward to becoming world champion once again." Professional boxing has been a difficult dance for Campillo, who before suffering losses to two of the top light heavyweights in the world, Sergey Kovalev and Andrey Fonfara (a fight in which he was winning when stopped), the 35-year-old Campillo was outright robbed in high-profile fights against former or current champions Beibut Shumenov, Karo Murat and Tavoris Cloud. "The headlines after the Cloud fight said it was a Texas robbery in the American Bank Center. He should be 27-3 with his only losses in the last seven years against Kovalev and Fonfara," continued Lewkowicz. "His victory over Williams shows that working with his stablemate Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez and the team from Maravilla Box has him back to being one of the best in the world. He was not supposed to win that fight, according to the experts, but he used his southpaw stance to open up a cut and then worked on it until the fight had to be stopped. He showed a level of accuracy and skill only top fighters ever reach." Lewkowicz says he is currently looking for Campillo's next opponent, one that will continue the fighter's mission to reclaim his championship. "Gabriel has told me he feels better than he has in years and is ready for anyone. I will be looking to put him in a fight that will show the world the great tango dancer from Spain, Gabriel "Chico Guapo" Campillo, still has plenty of moves left to show." ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008. Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world's most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world's best fighters and most promising young contenders. Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

Sergio 'Maravilla' Martinez Decides to Continue Boxing Career

After lengthy discussions with members of his team, now-former WBC Middleweight Champion Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez has decided to continue his boxing career. Determined to return and erase the terrible memory of what happened against fellow-great Miguel Cotto in June, 39-year-old Martinez will next face a top-10 contender with the goal of recapturing his world title. "Miguel De Pablos (Business Manager) and I met with Sergio at his home in Madrid and he says he is 100% healthy and ready to do what it takes to return to the very top of boxing," said Martinez advisor Sampson Lewkowicz. Lewkowicz says Martinez will first undergo a full battery of head-to-toe testing from top specialists in New York, but pending full medical clearance, the former champion will be returning to the ring on a mission. "Against Cotto, Sergio was badly hurt in the opening round from the first left hook that landed," continued Lewkowicz, "after that, he remembers only pieces and had very little control of his body and especially his legs. He fought entirely on instinct. It was the worst night of his entire career and he is coming back to prove he is a superstar fighter who just had a bad night." Martinez (51-3-2, 28 KOs) had been favored to defeat the smaller Cotto when the pair met last month at Madison Square Garden. But one monstrous Cotto left hook a minute into the fight led to three first-round knockdowns and an eventual 10-round stoppage loss. While many speculated that Martinez's previously injured knee had affected the southpaw's normally cat-like agility in the fight, Lewkowicz says it was not the case. "He got caught with an unexpected punch and it disconnected his body. It happens in boxing, especially against a puncher like Miguel Cotto. If you look at the tape of the fight, look how slow his hands were. A bad knee doesn't cause your hands to slow. It was clear it was not the real Sergio in the ring that night." Lou DiBella of DiBella Entertainment, who will continue as Martinez's promoter, says a great fighter like Martinez deserves the benefit of the doubt if he still feels he can compete at an elite level. "Obviously June 7 was a terrible night in the ring for Sergio Martinez," said the always outspoken DiBella. "But he says he can still do it and that he's totally committed to winning back his title, so I stand behind him. He's already come back to do great things after a stoppage loss to Antonio Margarito earlier in his career and he's positive he can do it again. So we're going to put him in with someone who can get him in line for a title shot and see what he can do. If he doesn't look to be the same fighter anymore, I will be the first to admit it, but he deserves the chance to prove it was just an off-night in an otherwise stellar career." No opponent or return date have yet been finalized, but an announcement will be made in the near future. ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008. Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world's most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world's best fighters and most promising young contenders. Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

Lewkowicz Sends Condolences over Passing of Well-Known Vegas Manager Garnik Khachikian

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing wishes to express his great sadness over the passing of Armenian businessman and longtime boxing manager Garnik Khachikian on July 15 after a brief illness in Las Vegas, Nevada. A well-known and popular face in Las Vegas boxing circles, among the fighters Kachikian managed was former WBA Featherweight Champion Freddie Norwood, Almazbek "Kid Diamond" Raiymkulov and William Abelyan. "Garnik loved boxing and was a very special person who was always there to help those in need," said Lewkowicz. "May he rest in peace." ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008. Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world's most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world's best fighters and most promising young contenders. Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

Sampson Boxing Signs Mexican KO Artist Jorge 'Demonio' Cota to Co-Promotional Deal

Uruguayan-born, Las Vegas-based promoter Sampson Lewkowicz, President of Sampson Boxing LLC, proudly announces the signing of exciting junior middleweight KO artist Jorge "Demonio" Cota to a co-promotional agreement, along with Kochul Promotions. A free-swinging slugger with extremely heavy hands, Cota hails from Los Mochis, Mexico, and boasts an outstanding record of 22 wins (21 KOs) with only one defeat. The 26-year-old is trained by the Montiel Family at their world-class Kochul Gym with superstar stablemates that include three-time world champion Fernando "Kochulito" Montiel, two-time world champion Hugo "El Increíble" Cázares and five-time world champion Jorge "El Travieso" Arce. Cota has already notched a stoppage victory over former world champion Luis Ramon Campas in eight rounds. His only career loss came against current WBC Middleweight Champion Marco Rubio in just his twelfth fight. "I am very excited to be given this opportunity," said Cota. "Sampson is the promoter who can bring me the international fights that showcase my talent and punching power. I will make him and my original promoters, Kochul, very proud with my training and performances." Lewkowicz, the man credited with bringing boxing superstar "Maravilla" Martinez to the world as a then-unknown 154-lb fighter, says Cota has the style and ability and to become a star in boxing. "Jorge Cota is the kind of puncher who fears no one," said Lewkowicz. "He believes in his power and will stand and trade with anyone. He makes for terrific fights every time because he is only interested in landing his bombs, which he does from every angle. Even in his loss, he was able to shake Rubio several times and it was a terrific war. I am looking forward to a strong run at the world championships with Jorge and his wonderful team at Kochul Promotions and the Montiel family."   ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008. Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world's most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world's best fighters and most promising young contenders. Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

Cusolito Signs with Sampson Boxing

Uruguayan-born, Las Vegas-based promoter Sampson Lewkowicz, President of Sampson Boxing LLC, proudly announces the signing of WBC Latino Super Bantamweight Champion, Luis Emmanuel "La Ardilla" Cusolito, to a co-promotional agreement, along with JEB Boxing of Argentina.  The 24-year-old Cusolito (18-1, 16 KOs), from Buenos Aires, Argentina, will be defending his title on May 24 in a JEB Boxing-promoted event at Club Social y Deportivo Fluvial, in Entre Rios, Argentina, against  fellow Argentinean Nelson Daniel Monte (15-9-4, 7 KOs).  "I am very happy and thankful to Sampson Lewkowicz for giving me the opportunity to be a part of extraordinary roster of great boxers," said Cusolito. "I know this is a great chance for me to break into the International market."  Cusolito's manager and head of JEB Boxing, Juan E Brignone, commented that "Our association with Sampson Boxing will allow for a personal growth, as well as a sporting growth, and will fulfill his dream to compete at the highest level. We have decided to work with Sampson because for years we have been familiar with his extraordinary capacity and his quality as a person. That is something that is of vital importance in our company, where honesty and respect are very important factors."  The signing of Cusolito continues Lewkowicz's mission to promote the very best 122-lb fighters in the world.  "I welcome Cusolito in joining the rest of the world class super bantamweights under my promotional banner, Kiko Martinez, Jorge "Pilon" Lara, Hugo "Cuatito" Ruiz, Oscar Escandon, Jonathan Guzman, Rocco Santomauro and Jonathan Arenas," commented Lewkowicz.  Lewkowicz added that he is very happy to be associated with JEB Boxing. "My friend, Juan E Brignone, I have known since he started in boxing. He is one my trusted people in Argentina, along with Carlos Tello. I look forward to many more years of mutually beneficial association." ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008. Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world's most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world's best fighters and most promising young contenders. Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

Sampson Boxing and Jorge 'Pilon' Lara Reach Promotional Agreement

Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing proudly announces he has signed an exclusive Promotional contract with rising super bantamweight star Jorge "Pilon" Lara (25-0-1, 17 KOs) from Guadalajara, Mexico. 23-year-old southpaw Lara has already scored a first-round TKO over former WBC silver champion Oscar Ibarra and won the WBC FECOMBOX featherweight title with a TKO 6 over then 19-1 Oscar Arenas. The only blemish on Lara's record was an abbreviated technical draw in the first year of his career. "I am very happy and thankful to God for allowing me to be a part of one the best promotional companies in the world, thanks to its President Sampson Lewkowicz," said Lara. "I promise not to let him down and I will always give my best effort." Lara advisor and attorney, Oscar Perez De Lara, echoed the fighter's sentiment about the deal. "I am very optimistic about this opportunity that was presented to 'Pilon' Lara to be a part of Sampson Boxing. It will enable him to reach the goals that he set for himself and his family, which where un reachable prior to this great opportunity." The signing of Lara continues promoter Lewkowicz's and his mission to promote all the world's best 122-lb fighters. "I welcome Jorge 'Pilon' Lara to join my stable of world class Super Bantamweights such as Kiko Martinez, Hugo "Cuatito" Ruiz, Oscar Escandon, Jonathan Guzman, Rocco Santomauro and Jonathan Arenas." Lara's first fight under his new promotional banner will be announced shortly in the super bantamweights division. ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008. Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world's most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world's best fighters and most promising young contenders. Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

Willie Nelson victimized by power play Loses out on HBO PPV fight vs. Andy Lee

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release    (photo by Bob Barton / Rumble Time Promotions) ST. LOUIS (April 24, 2014) -- World junior middleweight Willie "The Great" Nelson 21-1-1, 12 KOs) has been caught in the middle of a boxing power play, resulting in the loss of his HBO PPV debut fight June 7 against Andy Lee (32-2, 22 KOs) at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Team Nelson had agreed to the Lee fight, which was supposed to be part of the HBO PPV headlined by Miquel Cotto vs. Sergio Martinez.  However, plans changed yesterday with the announcement that Lee will now face John "Dah Rock" Jackson (18-1, 15 KOs), the same fighter Nelson defeated in 2012. The switch reportedly was the result of a power play led by Jackson's promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, who demanded a Jackson rematch with Nelson.  When Team Nelson rejected the offer, Lewkowicz leveraged Lee vs. Jackson, essentially forcing Nelson off the televised portion of the show. Nelson is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Rumble Time Promotions. DiBella promotes the Lewkowicz-managed Martinez. "Why would we fight Jackson again," Rumble Time Promotions president Steve Smith asked rhetorically.  "We're moving forward not backwards.  We already beat him; Willie's rated higher (WBC #3 and WBC #5) and there was relatively little money in that fight.  We wanted to fight Lee, he wanted to fight Willie." Nelson upset previously undefeated Jackson (13-0), the son of three-time, two division world champion Julian Jackson, September 15, 2013  by 10-round decision (98-92, 96-94, 96-94) on the Sergio Martinez-Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. HBO PPV card in Las Vegas. Prior to defeating the U.S. Virgin Island Olympian for the vacant NABF title, Nelson had upset another Olympian, 2004 Cuban silver medalist Yudel Jhonson, by 10-round decision.  Nelson, fighting out of Cleveland, went on to beat Michael Medina (26-3-2) by way of a sensational first-round knockout, and followed up with a victory by 10-round decision on HBO over Luciano Leonel Cuello (32-2), who is currently WBC #15 rated in the 154-pound division. Nelson was scheduled to fight Mathew Macklin last December on HBO but Willie was forced to withdraw due to an elbow injury that required surgery. After losing to Nelson, Jackson has won five fights in a row, albeit in carefully matched bouts against relatively unknown opponents such as Alexander Hernandez (11-9-1), Alexis Pena (7-2), Cerresso Fort (16-0-1), Tony Hirsch (14-5-2), and Jorge Miranda (51-15).   "I'm very disappointed," Nelson's trainer Jack Loew said.  "I expected a lot more from Lou DiBella." Still scheduled to fight June 7 but now against an opponent to be determined, Nelson is the highest-rated fighter on the entire undercard, yet he'll be fighting off television.

Sampson Boxing Signs KO Artist Jonathan Guzman to Promotional Agreement

Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of undefeated super bantamweight KO artist Jonathan "Salomon King" Guzman (16-0, 16 KOs) to a promotional contract. 24-year-old Guzman is an aggressive power-puncher with long arms and fast, accurate hands. In his just over two-year professional career, Guzman has already won the WBA Fedelatin bantamweight and WBC FECARBOX super bantamweight titles. He is rated #11 by the WBA at bantamweight. Guzman has only left his native Dominican Republic once for a fight, but new promoter Sampson Lewkowicz says he plans on changing that quickly. "Jonathan Guzman is a future superstar," said Lewkowicz. "He has a style that makes the fans go crazy. Very powerful and can stop a fight with one shot. The fans in North America are going to love him and I will bring him to them. I'll be announcing his next fight very soon." Lewkowicz has Guzman, the newest star to his promotional roster, training with the capable Hector Bermudez (who also handles Sampson fighter Javier Fortuna) in Troy, New York. ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008. Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world's most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world's best fighters and most promising young contenders. Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

Lewkowicz Congratulates Sonsona for Sensational KO on Saturday in Macau

One-Punch Levelling of Japan's Shimoda Puts Young Filipino Back on Track to Boxing Superstardom Marvin Sonsona (center)  Sampson Lewkowicz (left) and  Sammy Gello-ani (right) Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing wishes to congratulate the fighter he co-promotes, former WBO Super Flyweight Champion "Marvelous" Marvin Sonsona (17-1-1, 15 KOs), who announced his return to the elite levels of professional boxing in sensational fashion on Saturday night (February 22) in the main event of a Top Rank-promoted show at the Cotai Arena in the beautiful Venetian Resort in Macao, China. With HBO cameras rolling, Sonsona, from General Santos City in the Philippines, knocked out former WBA Junior Featherweight Champion (and current WBA #2-ranked) Akifumi Shimoda (28-4-2, 12 KOs) of Japan, with one perfectly placed left uppercut to the chin at the 1:17 mark of the third round. The victory, a sure-fire candidate for annual "Knockout of the Year" awards, gained Sonsona the WBO International Featherweight Championship and left Shimoda senseless for nearly five minutes. So dramatic was the finishing blow, referee Danrex Tapdasan didn't even bother to count. For Lewkowicz, the win was especially sweet as many had given up on the now 23-year-old southpaw Sonsona, who in 2009 at age 19, became the second-youngest Filipino to ever win a world title, but was then beset by personal problems and an admitted lack of dedication. He has since won four straight fights, three inside the distance. "Marvin is still one of the three most popular fighters in his homeland, alongside Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire," said Lewkowicz. "He had the problem that many big-name boxers run into: he surrounded himself with the wrong people and stopped taking his sport seriously. He has matured so much since then and completely rededicated himself with his original team of me, his trainer Jun Agrabio, his other co-promoter Sammy Gello-ani and his manager Dr. Rajan Yraola. He knows his mistakes now and they will never happen again." So dramatic was the KO of Shimoda, legendary promoter Bob Arum was quoted as calling it one of the best he's seen in 50 years of boxing. Lewkowicz says he's proud to also announce that he and Top Rank will be joining forces in the guidance of Sonsona's career. "I want to thank Carl Moretti and Bob Arum for the trust they have given me and for agreeing to help me turn Marvin Sonsona into the next world superstar from the Philippines. I consider him another of my sons and he calls me 'Papa' in return. This is a wonderful comeback story in boxing and Marvin will be champion of the world once again very soon. I also want to thank the beautiful Venetian Macau for their incredible hospitality and all their work in turning Macau into a new boxing capital in the world." The four major champions in the featherweight division are currently: Jhonny Gonzalez (WBC), Orlando Salido (WBO), Evgeny Gradovich (IBF) and Simphiwe Vetyeka (WBA). ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008. Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world's most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world's best fighters and most promising young contenders. Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.