Astrolabio Floors, Decisions Rigondeaux; Claims WBC Int'l Title in Dubai, U.A.E.
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 27 Feb 2022
His huge effort, his long weeks of training as well as his belief in himself have paid off.
Hard-swinging 118-pounder Vincent Astrolabio (17-3, 12 KO's) of General Santos City in the Philippines has scored the most important win of his 6-year pro boxing career by dropping and decisioning veteran former champ Guillermo "El Chacal" Rigondeaux (20-3, 13 KO's) to claim the vacant WBC International Strap Saturday February 26, at the plush 36-hole course Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, U.A.E.
The well-conditioned, super determined 24-year-old Astrolabio caught the decorated Cuban at the right second in round eight, rocking him to the canvas, prompting some fans in attendance to think that the Filipino could stop the superbly talented Rigondeux, a 2-time Olympic Gold medalist who has only been halted by the awesome Vasyl Lomachenko four years ago.
That did not happen as Rigondeaux regained his vertical, getting into his trade-mark defensive mode, eluding his way into the final bell.
But importantly, that one knockdown gave Vincent Astrolabio the one-point lead over the skilled "Chacal" to pull the rewarding victory, one of the most surprising results so far in this young 2022.
Astrolabio (C) celebrates after defeating Rigondeaux with matchmaker Brico Santig (L) and trainer Nonoy Neri (R).
At the very end, identical razor-thin tallies of 95-94 (three times) were rendered in favor of the younger Filipino Vincent "Asero" Astrolabio who was guided in his corner by veteran trainer Nonoy Neri, one of the long-time coaches of the legendary Manny Pacquiao.
With the rewarding, well-deserved victory, Astrolabio not only gets the WBC International belt, but also a higher place in the WBC bantamweight world-rankings.
In the co-feature, 19-year-old Jadier Herrera (6-0, 5 KO's) of Camaguey, Cuba, grandson of revered Cuban boxing legend 2-time Olympic Gold Medalist Angel Herrera Vera, won a 10-round unanimous decision over veteran Filipino former OPBF champ "The Journeyman" Mark John Yap (30-15, 15 KO's) of Cagayan de Oro to conquer the vacant WBA Asia South Super Featherweight Title.
Today's exciting show under the Dubai Boxing Commission was a production of promoter Phucan An Nguyen of Peoples Fighters with the matchmaking of Brico Santig, director of Highland Boxing Team.
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:
Villarosa draws with Labajo, Enano wins
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 02 Sep 2025Suarez, Magsayo Reliving High Point in PH Boxing at Super Featherweights
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 02 Sep 2025Pacman back into full-time boxing
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 02 Sep 2025Unbeaten Laurente Dominates Marapu to Capture IBF Pan-Pacific Lightweight Crown; Gaballo Wins in Co-Main Event
Tue, 02 Sep 2025Thunderdome 51 Review: Perth’s Joel Lewis claims title with stunning knockout
Tue, 02 Sep 2025Paulette Cuesta and Susy Kandy Sandoval Set for Highly Anticipated Rematch in Tijuana
Tue, 02 Sep 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 31 August 2025
By Eric Armit, Mon, 01 Sep 2025Gaballo, Laurente prevail in Gensan
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 01 Sep 2025Paalam leads ABAP team in Liverpool
By Joaquin Henson, Mon, 01 Sep 2025OKC Thunder Favored to Repeat as NBA Champs
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 01 Sep 2025Pacman sets ‘Thrilla’ commemoration
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 31 Aug 2025Historic win for Paolo Gallito who edges Lee Van Cortez in the finals of the Efren "Bata" Reyes Yalin 10-Ball Championships
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 31 Aug 2025"The Return" Weights from Detroit
Sun, 31 Aug 2025Efren Reyes Yalin 10-Ball Tourney: Corteza Faces Villafuerte in Finals
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 31 Aug 2025Martha Salazar: Stepping Out of Her Own Shadow
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 30 Aug 2025