By James Blears
Busy Edgar Sosa defeated “Hawaiian Punch” Brian Viloria of Filipino ancestry to win his WBC Light Flyweight Title, he rose after being decked by Sonny Boy Jaro, to win a comprehensive points victory and now another Filipino, Juanito Rubillar, is stepping up to take him on.
Edgar won the title on April 14th 2007, but this Saturday in Mexico’s Arena stadium will be his seventh defense. His Manager Jacques Deschamps says that while Manny Pacquiao has notched up some notable wins against the cream of the Mexican crop, Edgar is returning the favor to Manny’s compatriots.
Not noted for his one punch knockout power, Edgar has nevertheless won by TKO in three of his defenses, and another by the disqualification of an opponent. He won the other two by points. In doing all of this he’s fought fifty-five rounds.
Edgar has built a reputation as an intelligent and versatile boxer who stays sharp by fighting often, but also prepares very well. In getting ready to face southpaw Juanito, he’s sparred more than one hundred and thirty rounds against three lefties and confirms he’s in the best shape of his career.
Juanito won his number one spot by defeating a lack luster ring rusty Omar Niño on the undercard of a previous Edgar defense in Mexico City’s Sports Palace. Edgar observed enough rugged determination in that performance to gain a healthy respect for his next opponent commenting: “He’s a southpaw, tough, determined and very experienced. That means I’ve got be very intelligent in the first few rounds. I’m at my best right now and I’m going to box clever and aggressively.”
Jacques Deschamps said: “Edgar is a fighting champion. We know this will be a tough fight for him, but we’re very optimistic. He’s on a streak, and there’s a saying in French…never two without three. Juanito Rubillar is a good fighter, but Edgar is a thinking boxer, and he’s very sharp. Edgar’s technique will prove the decisive difference.”
However, comfortably ensconced in Televisa’s Chapultapec headquarters, Juanito Rubillar remained icy cool and collected. He drew appreciative applause from the audience when he politely but firmly stated: “Edgar Sosa is a good champion, but I’ve come all this way to win, and to take the belt back to the Philippines. I’ve sacrificed myself to training and I’ve been preparing for three months. I’ve worked very, very hard to get ready for this fight. Maybe this is my last chance to win a world title, and so I’m going to give everything!”
Rubillar’s Manager Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde says this is Juanito’s fifth try for the title, and he’s got to go for broke, adding : Juanito well knows that this is his last card so he must go for it. We’re looking for a distance fight, but if he catches Edgar early, he’ll definitely take the opportunity. We’ve really prepared for this one and we’re ready.
“It’ll be a helluva fight because Edgar Sosa is a great and scientific fighter, but I think it’ll depend on which boxer has the best condition on the night of the fight, and the will to win.”
