?Tiger? Sabillo KO Refugio; Gumban dethrones Llanos
By Jerome S. Galunan Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 05 May 2012
BACOLOD CITY - Experienced was the main factor for the undefeated Bacole?o champion Merlito ?Tiger? Sabillo in defending his Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation mini-flyweight belt last Friday in the ALA Promotions? boxing spectacular ?Pride of Negros? held at the La Proa Ballroom of L? Fisher Hotel here in Bacolod City.
As expected, Sabillo booked the eighth KO in his18-career victories, after forcing his challenger Jonathan Refugio to kneel on the canvas and finally retired with 2:36 in the seventh round. A load of body punches launched by Sabillo in this round forced the 18-year-old challenger from Malaybalay, Bukidnon to do nothing but shook his head after the mandatory 8-count was administered by international referee Samson Libres.
Refugio came out aggressive in the early rounds by giving the champion several combinations. However, Sabillo started to initiate a number of heavy counters in the middle towards the seventh round that reversed the momentum of the game.
In a prost interview with Sabillo, the champion stressed that he is happy that he successfully defended his belt. ?I thank God that he gave me this victory,? the champion said.
Meanwhile, Escalante City-born Melvin Gumban did not also fail his fellow Negrense after dethroning erstwhile Philippine Boxing Federation super flyweight champion Nelson ?The Giant Killer? Llanos of Davao via a unanimous decision. His victory improved his record to 8 wins.
Both fighters bravely fought toe-to-toe from the opening round until the final bell sounded. Llanos suffered a swelling hematoma on his left forehead caused by the heavy punches from Gumban since the early second round.
However, the newly-crowned champion Gumban also got a cut just above his left eyebrow in the fourth round. He was advised twice by referee-in-charge Dan Nietes to have his wound checked by ring physician Dr. Francis Balsomo.
But judges saw Gumban to have dominated more rounds than Llanos. Judges scored the fight 97-92, 96-93, and 98-91.
Other undercard results: Bacole?o Juren Labordo defeated Davae?o Anastacio Gallardo via unanimous in a 4-rounder fight of 112 pounds division.
Meanwhile, Top Prime Stable?s Louie Arlos also won by UD over Tagbilaran City?s Lito Dante in the 108 lbs. While Rey Morales of Himamaylan City also scored a unanimous victory over Bukidnon?s Kheriel Gonlibo in a 4-rounder fight of 112 pounds division the 12.
The event is sanctioned by the Games and Amusement Board headed Bacolod Office chief Jovencio ?Boy? Paroco and Chairman Juan Ramon ?Monju? Guanzon.
Photo: Current Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation mini-flyweight champion Merlito ?Tiger? Sabillo, center, after his successful title defense yesterday, May 4 in the ALA Promotions? ?Pride of Negros? held at the La Proa Ballroom of L? Fisher Hotel here in Bacolod City. Joining him during the awarding is L'Fisher Hotel President Roseller Ciocon (right) and international referee Samson Libres. (MYMY ALAGABAN Photo)
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