MASAM SPORTS 16: VINCENT ASTROLABIO'S GREATEST BATTLE OF HIS CAREER AGAINST GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 18 Jan 2022
WBO world No. 6 contender bantamweight Vincent "Asero" Astrolabio will face the greatest battle of his boxing career when he clashes with two-division world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Guillermo Rigondeaux on February 26, 2022 in Dubai, UAE.
Astrolabio has barged into the world rankings for quite some time now. If he scores an upset win over "The Jackal" Rigondeaux, he will have the bigger chance for a crack at the WBO bantamweight title held by countryman Johnriel Casimero.
The 24-year-old Astrolabio has won four straight fights since losing to Chinese foe Zong Li He by majority decision in a WBO Asia Pacific Youth super flyweight title fight on December 15, 2018 in Yubei, China. He beat previously unbeaten Patrick Liukhoto by TKO9, Kevin Aseniero by TKO5, Wilbert Berondo by KO8 and Jerry Pabila by TKO1, all by knockout in his latest fights.
The 41-year-old Rigondeaux of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, now based in Miami, Florida, just challenged for a WBO bantamweight title in his last outing. But he lost to Casimero via split decision on August 14, 2021, at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California in a widely criticized boring fight.
Before his loss to Casimero, Rigondeaux is on a three-fight victory streak, beating Giovanni Delgado by KO1, Julio Ceja by TKO8 and Liborio Solis by SD12. His first loss was dealt by Ukranian superstar Vasyl Lomachenko, a fellow two-time Olympic gold medalist, on December 9, 2017 in New York City.
Astrolabio is 16-3, 12 KOs with a KO rate of 63.16% fighting 102 rounds, while Rigondeaux is 20-2, 13 KOs with a KO rate of 56.52% fighting 146 rounds.
Astrolabio trains at Manny Pacquiao Boxing Gym in Davao City. MP Boxing Gym coach Nonoy Neri thinks Astrolabio can snatch a win over Rigondeaux.
“Astrolabio is much younger, has a power punch and a big heart,” said Neri as quoted by Carlos Costa of Philboxing. Neri is the co-trainer of Manny Pacquiao together with Freddie Roach and Buboy Fernandez.
However, Rigondeaux is not complacent on his opponent. He said he trains rigidly for the Astrolabio match. The Cuban southpaw is now rated No. 9 by the WBC.
“We’re back and we’re coming with a lot of enthusiasm, you know my thing is boxing,” said Rigondeaux in Boxing Scene. “I don’t know where this new chapter in my career is going to take me, but I’m excited and I’m training very hard for this fight.”
The 41-year-old Rigondeaux held the unified WBA, WBO and Ring magazine super bantamweight titles, and the WBA bantamweight title with his biggest win coming over Filipino Nonito Donaire on April 13, 2013 in New York City.
Still young at 24 years old, Astrolabio fought all but two of his career fights in the country, with a bout in China and another one in Jakarta, Indonesia. But this would be his biggest chance at superstardom to prove himself against a grizzled veteran in Rigondeaux.
“We know that this is a fighter from the Philippines and we are going to be ready,” Rigondeaux was quoted by Boxing Scene. “We are already in full preparation to reach that commitment in the best possible way. Whoever it is, we are going to return with victory and with hope of what may come in the future."
"All that is history and now we look ahead," added Rigondeaux. “Anyone who steps into the ring with me knows that things are not going to be easy. With me you have to have all your senses alert, because the Jackal can spring a surprise at any moment."
Their 12-round fight would be for the vacant WBC international bantamweight belt and was approved by Mauro Betti, who is WBC Vice President and chairman of the WBC International Committee.
The fight's going to be youth versus experience and Astrolabio must use all his guts to chase the running Rigondeaux.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
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