Marvin Somodio: From boxer to trainer of champions

He may not have become a household name like boxing icons Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao or Nonito Donaire but boxer Marvin Somodio has also achieved much. From humble beginnings, Somodio has become the right hand of legendary boxing trainer Freddie Roach. Somodio said he first thought of boxing only as a hobby and never thought that it would actually become his profession. “Hindi ko po iniisip na maging hanap buhay ko [ang boxing] na ngayon ito na ung buhay ko, boxing,” he said in an interview with Chino Trinidad for the GMA News program “Sports Pilipinas.” Somodio used to be a professional boxer but found his true calling as a boxing trainer. He started his career as a trainer at the Shape Up gym in Baguio. He recalled that the first boxer he trained, Karlo Maquinto, was a man of discipline. “Pinakamahal namin [si Karlo dahil] disipilinadong bata at matapang,” Somodio said. However, Maquinto became unconscious and slowly fell into a comatose state moments after the decision to his last fight was announced. He was declared dead on February 3 of this year after being in a comatose state for six days. “Ayan po ang pinakamasakit an nangyari sa akin,” said Somodio, who thought of Maquinto as a brother. “Siya sana yung kauna-unahang world champion na gagawin namin dahil sa pinapakita niyang dispilina,” Somodio added. Second thoughts When Maquinto passed away, Somodio had second thoughts about pursuing a career as a boxing trainer. “Sabi ko hindi na yata itong buhay [na ito] yung pinili ko. Mali yata,” he told himself adding, “Sinisi ko sarili ko na nandoon ako sa ring [at] wala akong nagawa. Hindi ko pinigil yung laban kasi hindi ko alam na mangyayari yun.” However, just as Maquinto fought until the end, Somodia did not give up on becoming a boxing trainer. “Sa buhay hindi tayo basta-bastang bibigay,” he said. One week after the incident, he thought about things and realized that he won't be able to prove anything if he quits. “Pagsubok [lang ito] na binigay sakin naniniwala ako na may kaginhawaan din [na mararating],” he said. A new beginning After Mquinto's death, luck didn't ran out for Somodio who was noticed by Roach due to his dedication and was assigned as his assistant trainer. Somodio counts as a blessing from God the opportunity that Roach gave him. Somodio officially joined Team Pacquiao in the middle of their training camp for his bout against Timothy Bradley Jr. in Baguio City, Philippines. As the assistant conditioning trainer, he was tasked to stretch PHL's boxing pride, Manny Pacquiao's body every morning before his sparring session and target mitts training with Roach. To Somodio's surprise, he was also flown to the US, following Roach and Pacquiao for their training session at the Wild Card gym. “Hanggang ngayon parang nanaginip parin ako e,” Somodio described his journey to the US. His blessings was then followed by another request from a Filipino boxing champion, Brian “The Hawaiian Punch” Viloria. Later Somodia was asked to be part of Viloria's training team in his bout against Mexican boxer Hernan Marquez in November 18, 2012. “Hindi ko po inisip na isang araw pupunta si Brian dito at ipapaalam kay Freddie kung pwede ko siya i-train” he said. The Viloria-Somodia tagteam's four month training camp bore fruit when Viloria was announced the unified flyweight champion after almost five decades when he defeated Marquez via knockout in the 10th round. “Isa yun sa pinaka malaking laban ni Brian Vilora sa buong pagboboxing niya. Si Brian Vilora naniniwala sa akin?” he asked in disbelief. With his persistence and never die attitude, Somodio proved that anyone could be successful if they put their heart into it and never give up. - VVP, GMA News