Jason Sosa Embraces Smith Defense, Eyes Three Fights in 2017

By Ben Jacobs

Jason Sosa (19-1-4, 15 KOs) may have surprised some with his tremendous knockout victory of Javier Fortuna last June in China, but the New Jersey man is aiming to further enhance his growing reputation with a victory over Britain’s Stephen Smith (24-2, 14 KOs) on November 12.

The two men collide in what will be Sosa’s first defence of the WBA super featherweight title he ripped away from Fortuna and, once again the Boricua finds himself on the road.

“I would definitely like to fight on my island of Puerto Rico but I am enjoying travelling the world, having fun,” Jason told BoxingScene.com. “It’s what world champions do, you know?  I think it’s a privilege and an honour to go to different places and fight.  I like it, I like being the guy who goes to your backyard, we like to be the underdog most of the time.”

Sosa is part of the same gym which has seen his good friend Tevin Farmer emerge as one of the sport’s most exciting prospects.  Based in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, both pugilists are coached by Raul ‘Chino’ Rivas.  As such, he feels training alongside the talented Philadelphian has helped him achieve his goals.

“We always train together, we’re always in the same gym,” he explained.  “I learn so much from him and he’s one of the main reasons I’m world champion today.”

After an active 2015 in which he fought six times, realistically the 28-year-old will only fight twice this year, something he would like to improve upon in 2017.

“I would love to have three more fights next year.  I love staying active and we only have a certain amount of time to keep doing what we’re doing.  We get older and time goes by so I’d love to stay active.

“I don’t feel I’m in the prime of my career yet, there is way more to come.  I’m a baby in the sport - I only had three amateur fights!”