By James Blears
Edgar Sosa’s clash with Filipino Sonny Boy Jaro in Mexico City will be his six defense of the WBC Light Flyweight Title, which he won in April of last year.
The fight against Sonny, who’s seventh ranked, is an optional defense, before a mandatory against fellow countryman Jaunito Rubillar who won the number one spot, after coming to Mexico City this June and defeating ring rusty Mexican Omar Niño, with a rugged performance. That was on the undercard of Edgar’s fifth fight as champion, when he demolished Japan’s Takashi Kunishige, in eight torrid but highly disciplined rounds.
Edgar is drawing inspiration from his idol Humberto Chiquita Gonzalez, who was at hand to receive an award honoring his career from the WBC and to encourage young Edgar to win in style.
Meanwhile the man with the broad grin and the large hands is trying to eclipse Edgar, by beaming and predicting he’ll pull off a spectacular KO.
Sonny Boy made the forecast at the first press conference in currently stormy and rainy Mexico City. He repeated it at the Modelo Brewery after the official weigh in, while many were downing beers and heartily tucking into a buffet lunch. Sitting in a quiet corner he grinned and assured that he’ll do his level best to level Edgar.
At a face off the other day, as the two of them broke their pose, Sonny Boy burst out laughing. Edgar pointedly didn’t, lightly rapping the table twice with his knuckles, in a businesslike way.
Edgar has conceded he’ll have to be careful in the first few rounds because Sonny Boy has notched up seventeen career KOs - the same as him. But he also stresses he’s in fantastic shape, sharp and will have the cheers of his growing fan base, roaring him on in the Arena, in the heart of Mexico City.
Edgar is also at least a couple of inches taller than Sonny Boy, and says he’ll use his extra height and reach to effective advantage. He comfortably made the weight.
