Nietes to make flyweight debut against Sosa | ABS-CBN

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Nietes to make flyweight debut against Sosa

Nietes to make flyweight debut against Sosa

ABS-CBN News

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Donnie "Ahas" Nietes. Josh Albelda, ABS-CBN Sports

MANILA, Philippines – Donnie "Ahas" Nietes, the longest reigning Filipino boxing champion, will embark on a new challenge when he moves up to the flyweight division in September.

Nietes is vacating his WBO light-flyweight title, which he held for almost six years, after making a ninth defense against Raul Garcia last May. He will make his flyweight debut against former world champion Edgar Sosa of Mexico on September 24 at the StubHub Center in Carson City, California.

"I was ready to leave the light flyweight division before (fighting) Garcia," Nietes told ALA Boxing. "I was thinking he would be my last opponent at 108 pounds. The next thing I did was to ask my manager and promoter, and I am very glad they granted my request."

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Nietes said that after dominating the light-flyweight division, he wants to "fight bigger names."

"I believe I'm done with the 108-pound division. There's no one else for me," he said. "I want to go after the other world champions out there. One world champion at a time, but I want to fight more if I can."

"I'm very excited," Nietes said of his move to flyweight. "I get a lot of positive comments from the people who've waited for this move, and it gives me so much encouragement."

He is more comfortable at flyweight, said Nietes, and "Ahas" does not foresee any need for major adjustment. However, he did opt to start training for his September fight earlier than usual, and has already done two weeks' worth of sparring.

"I would say the training's at the same level as before," Nietes said. "But of course, we want to make sure that the speed, power, and skills are in a higher level, now that I'm fighting for a higher weight division."

Nietes is anticipating a tough fight against the Mexican Sosa, and vows not to let his guard down.

"I know this won't be an easy first (flyweight) fight for me," he said.

"I want to be very prepared, that's why I've decided to train earlier," he added. "I want to give a great fight as I make my 112-pound debut."

(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.)

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76ers' Jared McCain open to playing for Gilas Pilipinas

76ers' Jared McCain open to playing for Gilas Pilipinas

Dennis Gasgonia,

ABS-CBN News

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Jared McCain #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on after a game against the Boston Celtics at the Wells Fargo Center on February 02, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Emilee Chinn/Getty Images/AFP Jared McCain #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on after a game against the Boston Celtics at the Wells Fargo Center on February 02, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Emilee Chinn/Getty Images/AFP

Philadelphia 76ers rookie Jared McCain said he is willing to play for Gilas Pilipinas if he is allowed to do so. 

In a short chat with ABS-CBN News’ Champ de Lunas during McCain’s visit to the NBA All Star Weekend in San Francisco, the 76er bared his thoughts about suiting up for the nationals as a naturalized player. 

“Yeah if I’m allowed to, that’ll be cool,” he said.

McCain, one of Philadelphia’s rising stars, earlier disclosed his Filipino lineage.

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The No. 16 pick revealed this in a locker room video published on Reddit.

"Shout out to my Asian community. [I'm] Probably like 10% Filipino, but that counts," McCain said. 

McCain did well this season and became among the rookies selected to compete in the Rising Stars game for All-Star weekend. 

But a meniscus tear prevented him from playing. This, however, did not stop him from making the trip to San Fransisco.


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