ASTON PALICTE ARRIVES IN TEXAS
By Ed de la Vega, DDS
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 07 Dec 2017
NABF Super flyweight champion, Aston Palicte of Cebu City together with his support team, trainer Rodel Mayol, assistant trainer Ernel Fontanilla and this writer who also acts as Palicte's cutman, arrived today in Austin, Texas via the Barbara Jordan Airport, ahead of his fight to defend his title against Mexican challenger, Jose Alfredo Rodriguez on Friday, December 8, 2017 at Round Rock, Texas. His manager Jason Soong came in on another flight.
Palicte who sports a 23-2-0, 19KO record, won the NABF title almost a year ago (12-17-16) via a hard fought split decision against the then undefeated Oscar Cantu of Kingsville, Texas at a fight card under the giant tent at downtown Las Vegas promoted by Roy Jones Promotions.
Palicte arrived in the US more than a month ago to acclimatize to the late fall cold weather and train under the eagle eyes of Wildcard Gym?s most promising young trainer, Rodel Mayol. Mayol himself was a world-boxing champion. He held the WBC light flyweight title in 2009.
Mayol pronounced Palicte as 100% ready and only a couple of pounds over the fight contract limit. ?He is all set to go and with a very light workout tomorrow morning, he should hit the weight limit in time for the weigh-in with no problem at all,? said Mayol.
In the absence of Mayol?s chief assistant trainer, Stanley Godinez who unfortunately has to stay back in Los Angeles to attend to personal matters, former Filipino boxer Ernel Fontanilla of Los Angeles will work with Mayol at Palicte?s corner on Friday night.
Palicte?s fight with Rodriguez could define his immediate future.
Palicte currently is rated #2 super-flyweight behind Rex Tso of China and WBO title-holder, the undefeated Naoya Inoue of Japan. An impressive win on Friday will certainly catapult Palicte to a showdown with Tso or even an immediate title fight against Inoue.
Palicte, based on the assessment of a respected Filipino boxing writer and judge has only a 40% chance to keep his title. But that does not bother the Bago City native at bit. And it intrigues Mayol who savor the underdog billing.
?Handa na po ako at ibibigay ko ang lahat para manalo tayo,? (I am ready and I will give it my all so we will win?) stated Palicte.
When that happens, Palicte?s manager, Jason Soong will have his work cut out to negotiate the title fight or at the very least an eliminator with Rex Tso. Knowing the efficiency of the young assiduous and well-connected promoter, that could happen in no time.
But perhaps a fight straight to the top with Naoya Inoue would be much better.
We shall see.
Photo (L-R): Assistant trainer Ernel Fontanilla, Cutman Dr Ed de la Vega, Aston Palicte and Trainer Rodel Mayol in Austin, Texas.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ed de la Vega, DDS.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
PIONEERING FILIPINO BOXERS TAKE SPOTLIGHT ON FIL-AM HISTORY MONTH (PART I)
By Dong Secuya, Thu, 16 Oct 2025BOXING HALL OF FAME RELEASES FALL 2025 LETTER OF APPEAL SEEKING FUNDRAISING SUPPORT
Thu, 16 Oct 2025Mendoza bags bronze
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 16 Oct 2025THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 20: MUHAMMAD ALI VS. JOE FRAZIER III ON OCTOBER 1, 1975 AT THE ARANETA COLISEUM
By Maloney L. Samaco, Thu, 16 Oct 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: History of Boxing in Reynosa, Tamaulipas
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Thu, 16 Oct 2025YORK HALL PRESS CONFERENCE: EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID AS CONWAY AND LIDDARD GET SET FOR HUGE DOMESTIC CLASH
Wed, 15 Oct 2025Unbeaten Super Featherweight Contender Andres Cortes Set for Return on October 18 Against Derlyn Hernandez-Geraldo in Long Beach
Wed, 15 Oct 2025JOEL “LETHAL” LEWIS RETURNS NOV 28TH THUNDERDOME 52 – METRO CITY PERTH
Wed, 15 Oct 2025Shane Mosley Sr. Blasts Oscar De La Hoya of Blocking Son’s Title Shot, Calls for Trilogy Fight on Drew & Pris Uncensored podcast
Wed, 15 Oct 2025MASOUD vs McGRAIL HEADLINES BLOCKBUSTER MONTE-CARLO SHOWDOWN VI CARD ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 – LIVE ON DAZN
Wed, 15 Oct 2025WFM Mendoza seizes lead in 2025 FIDE World Youth Chess Championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 15 Oct 2025YOENLI HERNANDEZ KNOCKS OUT RAMON DELACRUZ SENA IN FIRST ROUND OF MAIN EVENT OF FISTS OF FURY 8
Wed, 15 Oct 2025BEN WHITTAKER TITLE SHOT CONFIRMED WITH PRESS CONFERENCE THIS FRIDAY
Wed, 15 Oct 2025GOLDEN BOY ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP TO BOOST AMATEUR TALENT IN CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO
Wed, 15 Oct 2025SHANNON RYAN: I'M READY TO BRING 'KAOS' TO YORK HALL THIS WEEK
Wed, 15 Oct 2025