Can Vincent Astrolabio Defeat “The Jackal” Guillermo Rigondeaux? His Coach Nonoy Neri Says Yes
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 13 Jan 2022
MP Boxing Promotions fighter “Asero” Vincent Astrolabio has a tough mission when he collides against complicated southpaw veteran "The Jackal" Guillermo Rigondeaux on Saturday, Feb 26, in Dubai.
Can Astrolabio pull off the big win? His long-time coach, the experienced Nonoy Neri of Davao’s MP Boxing Gym says yes.
The hard-swinging General Santos City native Vincent "Asero" Astrolabio (16-3, 12 KO's) gets the biggest break in his pro boxing career when he battles crafty Cuban 2-time Olympic Gold Medalist, as well as 2-division world champion, Guillermo "The Jackal" Rigondeaux on February 26 at the awesome Dubai's Marina in the United Arab Emirates.
Their confirmed 12-rounder clash for the vacant WBC International Bantamweight Belt in "The City of God," Dubai – jointly promoted by Phuc An Nguyen in association with Brico Santig of the Highland Boxing Team – has already been approved by Mauro Betti Vice President of the WBC, as well as chairman of the WBC International Committee.
"Astrolabio is much younger, has power punch and a big heart," thinks of his fighter MP Boxing Gym coach Nonoy Neri, the man who together with Freddy Roach and Buboy Fernandez trained Filipino boxing king Manny Pacquiao in the majority of his thrilling, inspiring, historic battles.
Does Nonoy Neri’s experience and knowledge help the 24-year-old Vincent "Asero" Astrolabio in his quest for glory in Dubai? Is Astrolabio better off with a trainer like Nonoy Neri?
Hands down, most definitely, yes.
Astolabio (L) with Coach Nonoy Neri.
Astrolabio could not have a better man in his corner when he climbs the ring to trade blows against such a formidable, possible future-hall-of-famer opponent as the Cuban Jackal, a man who years ago clearly outclassed and out-smarted the brilliant “Filipino Flash” Nonito Donaire, not an easy thing to do; but he did, and we all remember that.
But that was nearly 9 years ago.
Today, for many fans, Astrolabio's chances seem to depend on how much toughness and destructive power are in his deliveries, if indeed he can get Rigoundeaux clean on his chin or in his mid-section, which is easier said than done... as well as in how abundant is his stamina for the 12-chapters war.
Because, arguably, the much fresher and younger Astrolabio could punch as hard, or even harder, than "The Jackal" born in the beautiful, paradisiacal, historic Cuba, the famed Caribbean island, cradle of so many legendary boxers such as Kid Chocolate, Teofilo Stevenson and Kid Gavilan.
However, even though so many times suffocatingly boring – such as in his dull split decision loss to Johnriel Casimero last August – Rigondeaux's past in boxing is undeniably glorious.
His achievements in the sport of boxing, both as amateur and as a pro, are genuinely great, sure we all need to agree on that.
But at 41, "The Jackal" Guillermo Rigondeaux (20-2, 13 KO’s), is far from his prime. Indeed, his best fighting days can be seen in the rear-view mirror, we can all agree on that as well.
That truth is indeed a drawback for the former Cuban world champ, decidedly more so in the fast ‘n furious bantamweight division where thunderous speed and endless stamina are needed to perform at an elite level; plus, Rigondeaux indeed did not look particularly great in his last battle against Johnriel Casimero.
In that one "fight," Rigondeaux was a total snoozer and a waste of time to watch. It was the FIlipino Casimero the one who did his best to satisfy fans.
Still, will "Asero" (which means in Ensligh steel) Vincent Astrolabio's youth, desire for victory, energy and power-punch be enough to defeat this veteran Cuban tactician?
We all hope so, praying for Astrolabio's success in Dubai, because a win there would rank the Mindanao fighter high in the WBC 118-pound weight class rating, the division where the king is "The Filipino Flash" Nonito Donaire.
Good luck in Dubai Vincent Astrolabio!
The author Carlos Costa can be reached via whatsapp +63918453952 and carlos@philboxing.com.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Undefeated Carl Jammes Martin Plots Next Move as New Year Unfolds
Mon, 29 Dec 2025Alvin Gayeta Roma leads Mansa Engineering Consultancy Team B to rule New York Chess Academy Team Tournament; pockets P100,000
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 29 Dec 2025Llover, Casimero stop foes in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 28 Dec 2025Organizing Committee Meets for Dr. Eugene Torre Rapid Chess Tournament Honoring FIL-CHI’s Golden Anniversary
Sun, 28 Dec 2025KEYSHAWN DAVIS RETURNS ON THE RING 6 UNDERCARD AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN
Sun, 28 Dec 2025IM Datu captures 4th IIEE Chess SIKAT, Jeremy Marticio repeat champ for 5th mini-tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 27 Dec 2025THE RING 6: NIGHT OF THE SAMURAI WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED AS INOUE AND PICASSO CLASH IN RIYADH
Fri, 26 Dec 2025THE RING 6: NIGHT OF THE SAMURAI PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Fri, 26 Dec 2025THE RING 6: NIGHT OF THE SAMURAI OPEN WORKOUTS COMPLETE AS UNDISPUTED KING INOUE GETS READY FOR PICASSO CLASH IN RIYADH
Thu, 25 Dec 20253-Time, 2-Division World Champion & IBF No. 1, Mandatory Bantamweight World Title Challenger Miyo Yoshida long overdue for her 8th World title fight
Thu, 25 Dec 2025Game On! 1st Paower Pickleball Cup Ignites Action in San Fernando
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 25 Dec 2025Late Replacement Tellez Ready to Shock the World Against Amanda Serrano for WBA & WBO Featherweight Titles on January 3 in Puerto Rico
Wed, 24 Dec 2025The Pryce is right again!
Wed, 24 Dec 2025Postal Stamp Honoring Muhammad Ali will be present in January 15
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 24 Dec 2025O’REILLY AUTO PARTS SIGNS LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP DEAL WITH MATCHROOM BOXING
Wed, 24 Dec 2025