
Rigondeaux, Astrolabio Ready for WBC Int'l Battle in Dubai, U.A.E.
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 25 Feb 2022

Former world champ Guillermo "El Chacal" Rigondeaux (20-2, 13 KO's) of Miami by way of Santiago de Cuba and hard-hitting Filipino slugger Vincent "Asero" Astrolabio (16-3, 12 KO's) of General Santos City successfully beat the scale ahead of their 12-rounder rumble for the vacant WBC International Bantamweight Strap tomorrow, Saturday, February 26, in "The City of Gold, "Dubai, U.A.E.
Rigondeaux, 41, and Astrolabio, 24, are ready to headline the exciting Dubai boxing show promoted by People's Fighters set to unfold at The Lawns of the plush 36-hole course Emirates Golf Club.
The aggressive come-forward Pinoy made 117.10 pounds, while the elusive, superbly defensive "Chacal" stood up at 117.80 lbs., both men looking in fantastic physical shape, ready for the 12 rounds of action.... although perhaps not that many rounds would be needed. Soon enough we'll find out.
Interestingly, the two fighters can boast world-class corners.
Filipino Vincent Astrolabio on the scales ready to battle against the skilled Cuban veteran Guillermo Rigondeaux.
The glory-hungry Filipino Astrolabio will have with him none other than Nonoy Neri, a beloved former long-time coach of the awesome Manny Pacquiao, while Rigondeaux will have with him Pedro Diaz, the veteran Cuban coach from Santa Clara who for decades worked with the Cuban Olympic Boxing Team. How about that?
The winner for Rigondeaux vs Astrolabio not only gets the brand-new WBC International Belt, but also a super boost in his ranking in the WBC 118-pound weight-class, stepping a notch close to a possible fight against the reigning king "Filipino Flash" Nonito Donaire.
Ohhhh, "El Chacal" would love that.
Rigondeaux appears relaxed at the scale in Dubai and looks forward to teach the younger Filipino a lesson in the art of boxing.
More than anything else, Rigondeaux would love to soundly beat Doanire once again. He did that 9 years ago at New York's Radio City Music Hall, and after all these years, Rigo just thinks he can do it again. Can he?
Meanwhile, the well-trained, serious, laser-focused Pinoy Astrolabio is in Dubai to shock and win. While he respects Ringondeaux stellar accomplishments in boxing, he wants to rock him hard.
That's because Astrolabio's sole purpose to fight his way into creating his own mark in the sport that he loves, same as his idol, the legendary "The Pacman" did.
All the above sounds fine and dandy, but at the end who will get the W?
Tickets for the exciting show can be purchased here:
www.800tickets.com/dubai/sports/1621-peoples-fighters
Doors at The Lawn, Emirates Golf Club, open 6 PM (Dubai Time).
Good luck Vincent Astrolabio!
The author senior boxing columnist Carlos Costa can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com and whatsapp +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
A night of power, legacy, and UAE pride: IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships opens in spectacular fashion in Dubai
Wed, 03 Dec 2025OKC Thunder is NBA 2025-2026 Strongest Team
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 03 Dec 2025Who was Clever Sison?
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 03 Dec 2025MATCHROOM BOXING RETURNS TO FONTAINEBLEAU LAS VEGAS WITH MURATALLA-CRUZ FIGHT, JAN. 24, 2026
Wed, 03 Dec 2025TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Undefeated Featherweight Luis Nuñez Prepares for Hector Sosa Showdown on PBC on Prime Video
Wed, 03 Dec 2025Darry Bernardo, 4 other Pinoys in hot start in 3rd Asian Chess Championship 2025 for players with disabilities
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 03 Dec 2025Two Pacquiaos on same card?
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 02 Dec 2025OLYMPIC BOXING 4: 1924 OLYMPICS AT PARIS, FRANCE
By Maloney L. Samaco, Tue, 02 Dec 2025Cebuana Lhuillier-Backed UTP National Team Shines at 40th Penang Open, Captures Multiple Titles
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 02 Dec 2025WBC 63th Annual Convention Opens in Bangkok
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 02 Dec 2025Undefeated Brooklyn heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor closing out a strong 2026
Tue, 02 Dec 2025USA Boxing Announces Partnership with Xempower USA
Tue, 02 Dec 2025THE RING 6: TEOFIMO-SHAKUR SET FOR JANUARY SHOWDOWN IN NEW YORK
Tue, 02 Dec 2025Undefeated Middleweight Dante Kirkman Set to Return December 11 in Costa Mesa
Tue, 02 Dec 2025Dejon Farrell Francis Turning Things Around
Tue, 02 Dec 2025