INQUIRER Sports

CALIFORNIA, United States?With Manny Pacquiao leading the pack and inspiring more and more fighters, the Philippines will be on the map for a much longer period as two young Filipino boxers will seek world titles this February.

On February 13, Ciso Morales will be fighting under Pinoy Power 3 against Fernando Montiel for the WBO Bantamweight World Championship at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas. This is Morales?s first attempt at a world title.

On February 27, Marvin ?Marvelous? Sonsona will be fighting against Wilfredo Vasquez Jr. for the WBO Super Bantamweight World Championship at Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez in Bayaman, Puerto Rico. He is gunning to break a new record as the youngest boxer to win two World Championships in two different weight classes.

If he wins, Morales would be one of Philippines? new world champions. Born, raised, and still residing in Talibon, Bohol, Philippines, ?Kid Terrible? started boxing at the age of 17 and turned pro at 18. Now at 22, Morales, who trains at Filipino-owned Kennel Boxing Gym, has a record of 14 wins and no losses.

A big underdog in this fight, as nobody expects him to win due to inexperience, Morales nevertheless vowed to show fans that experience isn't the only factor in winning fights?just as Nonito Donaire Jr. showed in his win over Vic Darchinyan, Sonsona's win over Jose Lopez, and Ana Julaton's win over Kelsey Jefferies.

On the other hand, Sonsona?s trainers at Kennel Boxing headed by Arvin Jugarap said their fighter has been training hard and well, and is expected to be focused on the ring when he fights Vasquez Jr.

Pacquiao?s fellow town mate in General Santos City, Philippines, Sonsona started boxing at the age of 7 and turned pro at the age of 17. Now at 19, he has a record of 14 wins, zero losses, and one draw.

Sonsona, former WBO Super Flyweight (115 lbs) World Champion, is the second youngest Filipino to become a World Champion at the age of 19. On November 20, 2009, he vacated his newly won WBO super flyweight title after failing to make the weight limit for his first title defense. Now he will have a second attempt at a world title at a higher weight class, Super Bantamweight 122 lbs.

The team at Kennel Boxing looks to the Filipino community to come out and show their support and to cheer on their kababayans (countrymen). Both boxers are riding on the sport?s popularity, with countryman, Pacquiao, the phenomenal pound for pound king, at the top of the heap.