By Ronnie Nathanielsz

The longest-reigning Filipino world champion, WBO light flyweight  Donnie Nietes wants to fight bigger names beginning with former world champion Edgar Sosa whom he faces in his first venture into the flyweight division at the StubHub Center in Carson City, California on September 24.

Nietes said he was luck to have a manager and promoter, ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer who believes in what he can do and has always supported him.

Stating that there was nobody left in the light flyweight division after successfully  defending his title nine times Nietes said he wants “to go after the other world champions out there, one world champion at a time and want to fight more if I can.”

Nietes said he “feels much more comfortable” now that he’s started training at a heavier weight and has so far done more than two weeks of sparring and more than a total of 20 rounds with his training at the same level as before.

Trained by Edmund Villamor, Nietes said he “wants to make sure that the speed, power and skills are at a higher level”now that he’s fighting in a higher weight division.

His  first major test will be against Sosa and noted that his opponent is a Mexican which means “he’s a tough fighter. From the beginning Mexicans have proven they are among the best there is” pointing out that Sosa who is currently ranked No. 4 in the world has fought some of the best in the flyweight division which is new to Nietes who promises not to let his guard down and will “pour all what we’ve trained for because I know it won’t be an be an easy fight for me.”

While he has received a lot of positive comments from fight fans regarding his decision to move up in weight which has served to encourage him, Nietes said he wants to be “very prepared and that’s why I’ve decided to train earlier because I want to give a great fight as I make by 112 pound debut.”

Donnie said he is confident there’s “a lot left in me. I feel great with my new weight. As a boxer I still want to do and accomplish so much.”