WHETHER Donnie “Ahas” Nietes can carry his power to the flyweight division will be known when he tangles with Edgar Sosa in the headliner of Pinoy Pride 38: Philippines vs Mexico at StubHub Center in Carson, California, Saturday (Sunday in Manila).
The fight will also test Nietes’ ability to take punches of a flyweight, specifically that of a former world champion like Sosa.
Searching for more lucrative fights, Nietes (38-win, 1-loss, 4-draw slate with 22 knockouts) will make his debut in the 112-pound class after ruling the minimum (105) and light flyweight (108) divisions for over eight years.
But he needs to get past the 37-year-old Sosa, who holds a 52-9 card with 30 knockouts.
Appearing more muscular, Nietes was right on the 112-lb limit during the official weigh-in held at Eagle Rock Plaza Mall in Los Angeles, California, Friday.
Sosa came in a bit lighter at 111.5 lb for their tussle for the World Boxing Organization international flyweight crown.
Unbeaten Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo (14-0, 11 KOs) will battle substitute fighter Ramiro Robles (13-5-1, 8 KOs) for the WBO international featherweight title in the chief support.
Magsayo, a prime prospect for a world title, checked in at 125.5 lb, two pounds heavier than Robles, who replaced the injured Ruben Garcia last week. Roy Luarca