MANILA — 2016 has certainly been a good year for Filipino champions not named Manny Pacquiao.

Donnie “Ahas” Nietes retained his WBO and RING light flyweight crowns via a fifth round stoppage of Mexico’s Raul Garcia, before climbing the flyweight ranks to beat Edgar Sosa for the WBO intercontinental title via unanimous decision.

John Riel Casimero, meanwhile, stopped Thailand’s Amnat Ruenroeng in four rounds to crown himself the new IBF flyweight king. He successfully defended the title by halting Britain’s Charlie Edwards in 10.

Fight analyst Ed Tolentino said both Nietes and Casimero will have an interesting year ahead.

“Nietes and Casimero both gave up their crowns to pursue bigger names. Nietes gave up the WBO light flyweight title to move up to flyweight. He is expected to compete for either the WBO or IBF flyweight crown,” explained Tolentino.

Nietes wants to challenge Zou Shiming, although he was ordered by the IBF to fight Thailand's Eaktawan Krungthepthonburi for the flyweight title cavated by Casimero.

“Right now, Nietes can beat WBO champ Zou Shimming handily, who I believe is way overrated,” said Tolentino.

The analyst added that Casimero’s decision to move up to the 115-pound class indicated that the Leyte fighter known as “Quadro Alas” is seriously looking for bigger fights, including a dream bout against current pound-for-pound king Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez of Nicaragua.

“I am very much intrigued with the career move of Casimero; he gave up the flyweight crown to move up to junior bantamweight and pursue WBC champion Roman Gonzalez,” said Tolentino.

“Casimero has dealt with weight issues in the past but he appears to be zeroing in on the big names and fights. Casimero appears to have rededicated himself to the sport.”

Tolentino expects a good performance from IBF super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas, who has been touted as the next Manny Pacquiao.

Ancajas upset fancied Puerto Rican boxer McJoe Arroyo last September to wrest the IBF strap. The Davao City native is due to make his first title defense this January.

“IBF super flyweight champ Jerwin Ancajas is set to make his first title defense on January 29 against Mexican Jose Alfredo Rodriguez,” said Tolentino.

“Ancajas is a technically sound champion; he was very impressive in beating McJoe Arroyo for the title and I'd like to see how he will perform in his first defense.”

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