Jing Xiang OutPoints Merlito Sabillo to Claim WBC Light Flyweight Silver Strap in China
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 16 Sep 2018
Chinese 108 pounder Jing Xiang (15-4-2, 3 KO's) outclassed and outpointed Filipino former minimumweight world champion Merlito Sabillo (27-6-1, 13 KO's) to capture via unanimous decision the vacant WBC Silver Light Flyweight title Saturday evening (Sep 15) at Qinzhou Sports Center in Qinzhou City in Southern China.
There were no knockdowns nor cuts over the 12-round proceedings in which the Chinese warrior proved his superiority round after round earning not only the WBC Silver strap, but also place in the WBC Light Flyweight World Rankings.
In addition, Jing Xiang, 28, of Tianjin in Northeastern China, gets a step closer to a possible battle for the WBC world title. The reigning WBC 108 world champion is unbeaten 26 year-old Ken Shiro (13-0, 7 KO's) of Kyoto, Japan.
The fight supervisor for the WBC was Robert "Bob" Yalen of Norwich, Connecticut.
Filipino matchmaker Brico Santig congratulates the new WBC Silver 108 pounder Jing Xiang in China.
Merlito Sabillo lost but is in good spirits with his team.
In the co-main feature, Chinese heavyweight Zhiyu Wu (9-2-1, 2 KO's) scored a unanimous decision win over the taller and heavier Kotatsu Takehara (15-12, 3 8 KO's) of Nagoya, Japan, to capture the vacant WBC Asian Continental Heavyweight belt. The fight supervisor for WBC Asia was Royal Thai Army Colonel Damrong Simakajornboon.
In a supporting bout, 20 year-old Chinese rookie Shichao Gao (2-0-1, 0 KO's) defeated by points Filipino journeyman Richard Garcia (27-29-1, 8 KO's) in a non-title 8-rounder clash in the super featherweight division.
In addition, Chinese super bantamweight Jian Wang (7-1, 2 KO) stopped Yutthichai Wannawong (8-7, 7 KO's) of Thailand. The referee was forced to intervene to rescue the hurt Wannawong from further torment.
The card's promoter was China International Sports Industry. Matchmakers were Brico Santig of the Philippines and Zhang Aku of China.
The author Carlos Costa, 57, of Panama is a veteran Fight Reporter based Cebu, Philippines. Carlos can be reached by email: Carlos512@hotmail.com and Whatsapp: +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
REYES AND BUSTAMANTE DELIVER HOME-SOIL MASTERCLASS | WNT LEGENDS
Wed, 21 Jan 2026Reigning World 10-ball Champion Filipino cue master Jonas Magpantay to see action in Indonesia pool tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 21 Jan 2026OLYMPIC BOXING 7: 1936 OLYMPICS AT BERLIN, GERMANY
By Maloney L. Samaco, Wed, 21 Jan 2026Usyk and Zuffa Boxing Negotiations Update
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 21 Jan 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: Twelve Years Later, Don José is Still With Us
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Tue, 20 Jan 2026Get know “BIG BAD BAZLEY”as he retuns March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
Tue, 20 Jan 2026“Jye Chin brings a fight to whoever, whenever and where ever”: Jye Chin ready for WBC title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
Tue, 20 Jan 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 18 JANUARY 2026: Nikita Tszyu-Michael Zerafa End in No Contest; Raul Curiel Outpoints Jordan Panthen
By Eric Armit, Mon, 19 Jan 2026Ryan Daye ready for WBC title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
Mon, 19 Jan 2026RAUL “EL CUGÁR” CURIEL CRUISES TO UNANIMOUS DECISION WIN OVER JORDAN “THE PATRIOT” PANTHEN
Sat, 17 Jan 2026Weights from Philadelphia
Sat, 17 Jan 2026Mexico Commemorates 12th Death Anniversary of Don Jose Sulaiman (Photos)
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 17 Jan 2026MOLLY McCANN EYES 'HUGE' STATEMENT START TO 2026 AS SHE JOINS BUMPER WOOD-WARINGTON CARD IN NOTTINGHAM ON FEBRUARY 21
Sat, 17 Jan 2026NEW MAIN EVENT ANNOUNCED! RAUL CURIEL SCHEDULED TO FACE JORDAN PANTHEN IN MIDDLEWEIGHT SCRAP
Fri, 16 Jan 2026SMALLS VS RAMOS TOPS STACKED UNDERCARD FOR NAVARRETE-NUNEZ BLOCKBUSTER IN GLENDALE
Fri, 16 Jan 2026