WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN MEXICO: FILIPINO CHALLENGER TOLD TO STAY IN FRONT OF WBC CHAMP
By Alex P. Vidal
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 13 Sep 2008
The trainer of world championship mandatory challenger Juanito Rubillar (46-10, 22 KOs) has cautioned compatriot Sonny Boy Jaro (28-6, 17 KOs) to always stay in front of Edgar Sosa (32-5, 17 KOs) when the two clash for Sosa's World Boxing Council (WBC) light flyweight title for 12 rounds at the Arena Mexico in Mexico City on September 27.
"Kailangan focus sia palagi at huwag niyang iwanan kasi mabilis ang reflection ni Sosa," warned Ruel Morata, one of the fast-raising trainers in the country today.
Morata, who worked in the corner of Rubillar when Rubillar humbled former world champion Omar Nino (25-3, 11 KOs) in a 12-round world title fight eliminator in Mexico last June, said if Sosa will stay away from Jaro, the Filipino challenger should pursue the Mexican champion aggressively "dahil magaling pumuwesto yun; naka balanse palagi."
"Kailangan huwag siyang magbigay ng respeto kay Sosa," added Morata, one of the most trusted trainers of international promoter and manager Gabriel "Bebot" Elorde Jr.
Morata is also expected to act as cornerman together with Elorde when Rubillar fights the winner of the Sosa-Jaro duel. The WBC had earlier ordered Sosa to defend his title aganst Rubillar, the world's top-ranked light flyweight contender. Somewhere along the way, however, it was Jaro's name that surfaced as next challenger.
Aljoe Jaro, the boxer's manager and cousin, said it was WBC executive secretary Mauricio Sulaiman, son of WBC president Jose, who gave his boxer the title shot. The father Sulaiman described Sonny Boy Jaro as "a dangerous opponent" for Sosa, who won the title by edging Filipino-Hawaiian Brian Villoria.
If Sosa will repluse Jaro and will face the 31-year-old Rubillar next, Morata said he is confident that his ward will beat Sosa although he is not sure if it will be by knockout or decision.
Meanwhile, Aljoe Jaro said they will go for a knockout win to ensure that when they go home, the WBC 108-lb belt is strapped around Sonny Boy's waist, although he was assured by Sulaiman that the WBC would appoint three neutral judges.
They plan to pressure Sosa from the opening bell to force him to fire back and engage the Filipino visitor in a toe-to-toe brawl. "We will limit his (Sosa's) running. We will go to Mexico to fight, not to chase someone," said the manager who once held former world champion Jose Luis Bueno in a draw when he was still a prizefighter in Japan.
Aljoe Jaro revealed that his boy is ferocious in inside fighting thus they are making sure he has enough gas in his arsenal. Fellow manager and associate Chad Colocado said Sonny Boy could last even for 15 rounds.
"I have seen him train in Binanongan (a town in Rizal province) and it seems he is preparing for a marathon. I think he is prepared even if the fight will last for 15 rounds," Colocado said.
"We won't reveal our weapon as of now, but Sonny Boy is ready to rumble," said Aljoe Jaro, whose other protege, North American Boxing Federation (NABF) super bantamweight champion Bernabe Concepcion (26-1, 15 KOs), will also fight Giovannie Caro (11-4, 9 KOs, 2 draws) on the same day in a 10-round non-title tiff in San Diego, California.
Top photo: Morata and David Diaz in Santa Monica, California. Photo by Alex P. Vidal.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Alex P. Vidal.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
GM Antonio outwits Kazakh GM, shares lead
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 26 Oct 2025Pedro Taduran Defends IBF 105 Belt Against Christian Balunan Sunday
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 25 Oct 2025DAVID ALCAIDE CROWNED INAUGURAL PHILIPPINES OPEN CHAMPION
Sat, 25 Oct 2025Bryce Mills vs. James Bernadin Venue Changed: Randolph House Hotel & Convention Center Will Host Pro/Am Card in Liverpool, New York
Sat, 25 Oct 2025Parker vs. Wardley: Who Will Keep Winning Streak Alive?
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 25 Oct 2025Dante “The Inferno” Kirkman Stays Undefeated with Second-Round TKO in Southern California Debut
Sat, 25 Oct 2025Elmo Traya, Reymond Yanong, Ivan Ognayon in Action in Brico Santig's Show Today in Thailand, LIVE on TrillerTV
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 25 Oct 2025Alessio Bisutti Fights for WBF Heavyweight World Title in Highland Show October 25 in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 25 Oct 2025WEIGHTS FROM NIGHT OF KNOCKOUTS XXXVI AT MOTORCITY CASINO HOTEL TONIGHT IN DOWNTOWN DETROIT
Sat, 25 Oct 202530 people arrested in NBA gambling operation
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 25 Oct 2025GM Joey beats CM Marc in Italy World Senior Standard chess tourney to climb at 2nd place
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 25 Oct 2025RomyMac’s Ali memories
By Joaquin Henson, Fri, 24 Oct 2025NBA Daily: Warriors Survive Gordon’s 50 to Beat Nuggets in Overtime 137-131
By Reylan Loberternos, Fri, 24 Oct 2025Grandmaster Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. wins world seniors blitz title in Italy
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 24 Oct 2025Russian athlete, first winner of 8 medals in a single Olympic Games, dies
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 24 Oct 2025