Sosa to bank on experience vs Nietes

MANILA, Philippines - Edgar Sosa of Mexico has so much experience behind him that his coming battle with Filipino Donnie Nietes at the StubHub Center in Carson, California is just like any other fight.

The 37-year-old Sosa has been to 61 professional fights (52-9 with 30 knockouts) and had seen it all. He’d faced the best in his class, and on Sept. 24 he takes on Nietes.

Nietes will go down in Philippine boxing history as the longest reigning world champion, holding the world light-flyweight and flyweight titles nearly nine years.

The pride of Murcia in Negros Occidental, who recently vacated the WBO light-flyweight crown, hasn’t lost a fight in 12 years, compiling a 38-1-4 record.

Sosa, who had beaten Filipinos Brian Viloria, Sonny Boy Jaro and Juanito Rubillar but lost to Rodel Mayol the past few years, is ready for battle.

The former world light-flyweight champion Distrito   Federal in Mexico City knows Nietes’ strengths and weaknesses.

“He is quick to counterattack,” he told the Mexican press as he prepared to move to Carson for Pinoy Pride 38: Philippines vs Mexico.

“We must beware of his right hand and hooks to the body. He is a very skilled fighter with the waist, hands and legs,” said Sosa, who in May last year took a shot at Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez.

Sosa was knocked out inside two rounds but has come back with a decisive win over Orlando Garcia Guerrero earlier this year.

“I know that if I stick pressure we will replicate. That’s the idea. You make smart, aggressive boxing,” said Sosa.

Nietes told his handlers from ALA Promotions that he’s more comfortable now at 112 pounds, finally admitting that he’s had problems making 108.

The 34-year-old Filipino is testing new waters, and if successful, he wants a crack at a world title in a third weight class.

Nietes had long wanted to take on Gonzalez, the reigning pound-for-pound champion, but the pride of Nicaragua is too elusive, and is now at 115.

For this coming card at Carson, ALA fighters Mark Magsayo and King Arthur Villanueva will play the main supporting roles against Ramiro Robles and Juan Jimenez of Mexico.