Sabillo to fight in Japan for OPBF title-fight
By Lito delos Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 27 Apr 2016
FORMER world champion Merlito ?Tiger? Sabillo is now training in La Trinidad, Benguet for his upcoming title-fight against young Japanese Riku Kano on May 8 at the Bunka Center in Sanda, Hyogo, Japan.
The 32-year old Sabillo, a former WBO world minimumweight champion will be fighting the 18-year old Kano for the interim Orient Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) minimumweight title.
?Mas maganda kasing mag training doon sa Benguet kasi malamig din ang klima tulad sa Japan,? said Sabillo?s new manager Brico Santig of the Highland Promotions.
Sabillo (25W-2L-1D-12KOs) lost his WBO world title Francisco Rodriguez Jr. by a TKO last March 22, 2014 in Mexico. It was followed by another setback from the hands of Ellias Nggenggo also by a TKO in Cebu City last November 15, 2014.
But after signing up with the Highlands Promotions of international promoter-manager Brico Santig, Sabillo bounced back with two back-to-back wins.
He first outclassed Powell Balaba by a unanimous decision at the L' Fisher Hotel, La Proa Ballroom in his hometown in Bacolod City last Nov. 29, 2015.
Sabillo then crushed Jack Amisa also by UD on Nov. 29, 2015 at the La Trinidad Municipal Gymnasium in La Trinidad, Benguet.
?Gusto niyang ipakita na hindi pa siya laos,? said Santig.
Sabillo, however, will be facing a younger and tough Japanese boxer, who is a southpaw.
Kano has won all his last seven fights, four of them by knockout. Kano previously won by a first round knockout against Chaichana Sor Por Por of Laos last February 26 in Wat Kokkuod, Surin, Thailand.
?Mag ingat lang siya kasi my pang knockout din ang Hapon na mas bata pa sa kanya,? said Santig.
Sabillo first won the Philippine minimumweight title with a TKO win over Roger Echavez on April 30, 2011 at his hometown in Bacolod. He then captured the OPBF minimumweight crown via a UD over Rodel Tejares on October 8, 2011 also in Bacolod.
He defended it successfully against Jonathan Refugio by a TKO last May 4, 2012 also in Bacolod. Sabillo, formerly under the ALA Promotions in Cebu, then captured the interim WBO world minimumweight crown by an 8th round TKO over Luis de la Rosa last March 9, 2013 in Coliseo Mario de Le?n in Cerete, Colombia.
He first successfully defended it by a KO over Jorle Estrada on July 13, 2013 at the Solaire Resort Hotel and Casino in Cebu.
He first defended it by a split draw with Carlos Buitrago at the Araneta Coliseum on November 30, 2013. ? LITO DELOS REYES
Photo: Former world champion Merlito "Tiger" Sabillo carrying weights in preparation for his OPBF title fight in Japan. (Photo courtesy of Highland Promotions)
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Lito delos Reyes.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Referee and Ringside Doctor Save Emanuel Navarrete
By Ed de la Vega, DDS, Sun, 11 May 2025Technically Speaking: Navarrete Edges Suarez to Retain Crown
Sun, 11 May 2025Navarrete Retains WBO Title via Controversial Technical Decision Over Suarez
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 11 May 2025PHOTOS: Charly Suarez Ready to Face Emanuel Navarrete; Fight Analysis
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 11 May 2025Sampson Boxing returns to Panama with a mega world boxing night
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 11 May 2025SarBay Fest 2025 kicks off May 23
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 11 May 2025Suarez vows all-out war
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 11 May 2025Suarez Looks to Exploit Navarrete's Weight Problem
By Ed de la Vega, DDS, Sat, 10 May 2025Weekend Preview & Picks for ESPN, DAZN, & ProBox Bouts
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 10 May 2025Weights from Fort Washington, MD
Sat, 10 May 2025Navarrete, Suarez Make Weight for WBO Title Clash; Muratalla and Abdullaev Ready for Interim IBF Battle
Sat, 10 May 2025HIGHLY-TOUTED BANTAMWEIGHT ADAM MACA SIGNS PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM BOXING
Sat, 10 May 2025CAPITO CRASHES OUT IN TITLE DEFENCE AS YAPP ENDS UK OPEN REIGN | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Sat, 10 May 2025A TRIO OF MATCHUPS ADDED TO "CHAMPIONING MENTAL HEALTH: A NIGHT OF BOXING" PRESENTED BY 555 MEDIA AND BASH BOXING
Fri, 09 May 2025SHAW SURGES AS CAPITO STUMBLES IN TITLE DEFENCE | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Fri, 09 May 2025