Tag Archives: Sydney Hall

‘Kid Pacquiao’ Training in Cebu City, Waiting on U.S. Work Visa

Undefeated lightweight Jonel “Kid Pacquiao” Dapidran (6-0, 3 KOs) will continue to train in Cebu City, Philippines, while waiting on a work visa to the United States.
Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz is moving the entire camp from Las Vegas to Cebu City to work with the 17-year-old slugger, including top trainer Jun Agrabio.
“Agrabio is going there to help this kid get to the next level,” said Lewkowicz.
Lewkowicz says that Dapidran will have one or two fights in the Philippines while awaiting the proper visa.
“I want to keep him active so that when he makes his US debut he will be ready to put on a great show,” explained Lewkowicz.
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 Signs Jonel ‘The Kid Pacquiao’ Dapidran, Second Cousin of Manny Pacquiao, to a Promotional Contract

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz, the man credited with discovering an unknown talent named Manny Pacquiao in the Philippines in 2000, proudly announces the signing of Pacquiao’s second cousin, Jonel “The Kid Pacquiao” Dapidran to a long-term promotional contract.
17-year-old Dapidran (6-0, 3 KOs) is an undefeated lightweight prospect from Digos City in the Philippines. Manny Pacquiao’s maternal grandfather and Junel’s father are brothers.
“A San Francisco attorney named Sydney Hall brought Manny Pacquiao to my attention 15 years ago,” said Lewkowicz. “None of the major promoters paid attention, but we saw what a talent he was. I was working as a matchmaker for (then promoter) Murad Muhammad, and I convinced him to sign Manny and bring him to America. Now, as a promoter, I am bringing his close family here for the first time and I strongly believe this young man will make a big statement in our sport.”
Dapidran is in good hands. As soon as his visa is finalized, he will live in Las Vegas, sharing a beautiful apartment with former multiple world champion and fellow Filipino, Jonriel Casimero. He will also share a trainer with Casimero and join the stable of trainer Jun Agrabio.
“Jonel has the talent to become a star. I see it in him like I did with his cousin. He is coming here to prove to everyone he is a Pacquiao for the new generation of boxing. I am very happy to be his promoter and will work hard to help him rise through boxing the right way.”