Astrolabio to bulldoze Rigo
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 20 Feb 2022
General Santos City’s Vincent Astrolabio won’t risk leaving the outcome of his fight against Guillermo Rigondeaux up to the judges and is determined to knock out the Cuban two-time Olympic gold medalist when they face off for the vacant WBC International bantamweight title in Dubai on Feb. 26. Astrolabio, coach Nonoy Neri and assistant coach Aries Buenavidez are set to leave Manila yesterday for Dubai with a week to acclimatize.
“Kaya ‘yan,” said Neri. “Sasagasaan namin si Rigo. May lakas si Astrolabio basta ibigay ni Lord ang kondisyon niya. Gagawin namin lahat.” Astrolabio polished his craft sparring with IBF superflyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas and two-time world title challenger Aston Palicte in his rising years. To prepare for Rigondeaux, he sparred with undefeated Lienard Sarcon and Sugary Montales.
Astrolabio, 24, is coming off four straight KO wins while Rigondeaux, 41, hopes to rebound from a loss to JohnRiel Casimero by split decision last August. The 17-year age difference will be an advantage for Astrolabio who intends to pressure Rigondeaux from the start. Rigondeaux trained for the fight at Moro Fernandez’ gym in Miami and sparred with Filipino contender Mike Plania. Neri said he expects Rigondeaux to run so Astrolabio will cut the ring off to find a clear target.
Although he had a rich amateur career, Rigondeaux is a late bloomer in the pros, making his debut at 28 in 2009 when Astrolabio was 11. The left-handed Cuban, a former two-division world champion, survived a knockdown to outpoint Nonito Donaire for his biggest career win in 2013 and beat another Filipino, Drian Francisco, in 2015. His record is 20-2, with 13 KOs and a No-Contest. Astrolabio, a power puncher, totes a record of 16-3, with 12 KOs, including four in the first round. He has engaged southpaws in seven bouts, winning them all. Astrolabio scaled 122 pounds the other day and expects to easily make the 118-pound limit at the weigh-in.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
RUN IT BACK! GOLDEN BOY KICKS OFF 2026 FIGHT SCHEDULE WITH NIGHT OF HIGH STAKES REMATCHES
Wed, 19 Nov 2025Boxlab Promotions “Night of Champions XIII” Undercard Bouts Announced
Wed, 19 Nov 2025Porres-Narukami fight moved to Nov. 23
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 19 Nov 2025Rematch for the ages
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 18 Nov 2025"Limping" Boston Showing Famed Celtics Pride
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 18 Nov 2025IIEE-Trocio Engineers defeated Splashers Lawyers in the BPBL Opening
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 18 Nov 2025ThunderDome 52 Card Preview
Tue, 18 Nov 2025Los Angeles Lakers may be under NBA gambling Investigation
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 18 Nov 2025PLAYER+ and BIBA Announce Official Partnership
Tue, 18 Nov 2025Roberto Racasa Claims 7 Medals at Asia Open International Memory Championships in Hyderabad, India
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 18 Nov 2025Bacnotan Pickleball Club Marks First Anniversary With Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 18 Nov 2025Connor Benn Targets Barrios' WBC Welter Belt After Defeating Chris Eubank Jnr
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 17 Nov 2025NBA Daily: Sans Wembanyama, Spurs Dominate Kings 123 – 110
By Reylan Loberternos, Mon, 17 Nov 2025GM Joey Antonio finishes second in Spain chess tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 17 Nov 2025A Tall Order: Rafael Espinoza KOs Arnold Khegai to Retain Featherweight Crown
Sun, 16 Nov 2025