WHEN the longest-reigning Filipino world champion, World Boxing Organization light flyweight Donnie Nietes moves up to test the waters at flyweight in a showdown with former world champion and current world-rated No. 4 Edgar Sosa, it may not be an easy fight as some local fight fans believe.
Nietes himself conceded that Sosa will be a tough opponent as most Mexicans are and that’s why he began training earlier than usual.
While Nietes is always in shape and maintains his skill level, Sosa cannot be taken for granted when they meet at the StuHub Center in Carson City, California on Sept. 24.
Sosa was enthusiastic about his return after suffering a second-round TKO loss to pound-for-pound No. 1 Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez of Nicaragua. He then scored a six-round unanimous decision over Orlando Garcia Guerrero last Feb. 13 in a bout he used to regain his rhythm.
Sosa previously won the World Boxing Council Silver title with a stunning second-round knockout of another former world champion in Ulises Solis, which will be featured on this week’s presentation of The Main Event on Pinoy Box Office over Sky Cable at 8:30 p.m., Saturday, with a replay at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday.
The program will also showcase Nietes in action against Mexico’s Juan Alejo in the initial ALA Promotions-ABS-CBN presentation in the United States, also at the StubHub Center.
The Main Event will also feature highlights of The Rob Rose Cup, staged by multi-awarded Australian promoter Peter Maniatis, headlined by unbeaten Jason Moloney against Filipino Virden Rivera from the “Bebot” Elorde Stable.