Rigo applauds Astrolabio
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 02 Mar 2022
Astrolabio (R) drops Rigondeaux in Dubai.
Former two-division world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Guillermo Rigondeaux conceded defeat to heavy underdog Vincent Astrolabio whom the Cuban complimented for his speed, power and smarts in capturing the vacant WBC International bantamweight crown via a unanimous 10-round decision in Dubai last weekend.
Astrolabio, 24, was a +600 bet, meaning a wager of $100 would earn $600 with his win, while Rigondeaux, 41, was a -1,000 favorite so that a $1,000 stake would only bring in $100. But the Filipino defied the odds to upset Rigondeaux who was decked by a left-right combination in the eighth round. The Cuban survived the trip to the canvas but not after wrestling Astrolabio down with him and repeatedly clinching to clear his head until the bell rang.
Astrolabio’s trainer Nonoy Neri said Rigondeaux had no excuses. “Sabi ni Rigo, malakas, mabilis at mautak si Astrolabio at marunong mag-cut ng ring at mag-block ng suntok,” said Neri who arrived with the fighter in Manila the other day. “Si JohnRiel (Casimero), nag-message at nagbigay ng congrats. Ka-sparring ni Astrolabio si JohnRiel dati, pati rin sina Jerwin Ancajas, Marlon Tapales at Aston Palicte kaya maraming natutunan sa kanila. Hawak ko na si Astrolabio sa four-rounders. Tingin ko, pwedeng sunod na Nonito Donaire, relax lang siya, timing at diskarte.”
Neri said MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons messaged that he’ll work on a world title eliminator for Astrolabio, one of 10 children and the only fighter in the family. Astrolabio’s father died of a lung disease in 2018 and his mother is cared for by him, two brothers and seven sisters. Astrolabio and wife Lovely live in Davao with their children, a boy, 2 and a girl, 6.
“Kahit sino, kayang labanan ni Astrolabio,” said Neri. “Si Rigo may edad na pero magaling pa rin mag-counter. Sa umpisa, nakipagsabayan si Rigo pero noong nasaktan, tumakbo na. Sinagasaan ni Astrolabio hanggang bumagsak si Rigo. Groggy siya at saved by the bell.” Neri said the fight contract stipulated 12 rounds but at the pre-fight meeting, he was surprised to learn that it was scaled down to 10. “Pabor kay Rigo kung 10 rounds lang dahil 41 na siya pero OK lang,” said Neri. “Gulat nga kami, mga judges nag-score ng 95-94 pare-pareho. Dapat malaki ang agwat.”
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat is the new FIDE World Senior 65 over category Rapid Champion
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Thunderdome 48 - Jude Grant vs Fano Kori
Sun, 24 Nov 2024World Boxing backs plan to create a new Confederation in Asia
Sun, 24 Nov 2024The message is clear – Asian Boxing Confederation remains united with the IBA
Sun, 24 Nov 2024OSCAR DE LA HOYA FOUNDATION HOSTS 25TH ANNUAL TURKEY GIVEAWAY FOR EAST LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Life vs. Death: The Ultimate Ringside Showdown Immortalized in Pierce Egan’s Boxiana
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 23 Nov 2024SPORTS SHORTS 284: TEAM MARK MAGSAYO CONFIRMS RETURN TO THE RING ON DECEMBER 14
By Maloney L. Samaco, Sat, 23 Nov 2024RJP Boxing promotes in Bucana on Dec. 17
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Good Prospects at Minimumweight, Light Fly, Super Bantam and Super Feather in 2025
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Filipino International Master Chito Danilo Garma is the new World Senior Blitz champion; Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat takes the bronze medal
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 23 Nov 2024KAMBOSOS JR SIGNS CO-PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM
Sat, 23 Nov 2024INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME TO ANNOUNCE CLASS OF 2025 ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5th
Sat, 23 Nov 2024Ring Master promotes in Calinan on Dec. 21
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024NP Bansalan boxing team in Matalam
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024New York, Minnesota Biggest Trade Gainers; Los Angeles Has the Rookie Draft Steal
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 22 Nov 2024