Manny Pacquiao's Second Cousin, Jonel Dapidran, Signs Sampson Boxing Contract

After unearthing Manny Pacquiao earlier in his career, its clear that boxing promoter Sampson Lewkowicz knows how to spot a talent. So on Wednesday, 15 years on from signing the Filipino star, there was much excitement, as the same man signed Pac-Mans second cousin, Jonel Dapidran, to a long-term promotional contract.As reported by boxingscene.com, Lewkowicz, the president of Sampson Boxing, confirmed the acquisition and insisted Dapidran will make a big impression in the sport, just like Manny:A San Francisco attorney named Sydney Hall brought Manny Pacquiao to my attention 15 years ago.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.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.As noted in the aforementioned piece, Pacquiaos maternal grandfather and Jonels father are brothers. The 17-year-old is a lightweight prospect and is using the nickname "The Kid Pacquiao.According to BoxRec.com, Jonels professional record currently stands at six wins from six fights, three of those coming by way of knockout. Dapidran stands at 59 and has an orthodox stance.Since being signed up by Lewkowicz, Pacquiao has gone on to enjoy a remarkable career. The Filipino sensation has won 57 of his 65 professional bouts and has secured world titles in an unprecedented eight different weight classes.The promoter also has a past record of selecting quality. Former world middleweight champion Sergio Martinez was discovered by Lewkowicz, as was current WBA super featherweight champion Javier Fortuna, per SampsonBoxing.com.The challenge for Dapidran will be to move up through a division that has a notoriety for being unforgiving. But its clear boxing instincts are in his genes and in Manny, he has an outstanding figure to call upon for advice. Using the Pacquiao name is a decision that is likely to bring its own pressures and the teenager will command a lot of attention because of it. As he looks to make his way in the sport, that can only serve as a positive, but he'll have to perform with distinction if hes to do it justice.
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