EX-STREETFIGHTER MAKES 1ST WBO TITLE DEFENSE AT SOLAIRE
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 13 Jul 2013
Sabillo.
Former Bacolod streetfighter Merlito "Tiger" Sabillo makes the first defense of his WBO minimuimweight title against Colombia's Jorlie Estrada at the plush Solaire Resort and Casino in the growing "Entertainment City" with a picturesque view of Manila Bay today.
Sabillo who fought bare-knuckled for small money against all-comers until the age of 24 when he was convinced to take up boxing and was recommended by current Games and Amusements Board chairman Ramon "Monju" Guanzon to ALA Promotions patron Tony Aldeguer, cooly embraced the opportunity to bask in the spotlight at the first-class venue and to signal the beginning of the next generation of Filipino world champions.
The undefeated Sabillo who has a record of 21-0 with 11 knockouts wasn't fazed by the exquisite trappings of the Solaire
Resort and Casino or the boasts of challenger Estrada who vowed to avenge the defeat of Colombian countryman Luis De La
Rosa against whom Sabillo won the title with a smashing 8th round knockout after dropping the fancied De Las Rosa twice
in Colombia last March 9.
Sabillo said he will not go charging in mindlessly, looking for a knockout but would grab the chance to put his cocky rival
if presented with an opportunity.
Sabillo came in at 104 pounds in yesterday's official weigh-in which Estrada checked in one pound less at 103.
In a fight that may well steal the limelight undefeated "King" Arthur Villanueva will battle devastating Mexican puncher Arturo Badillo who has a fearsome record of 19 knockouts in 21 wins with 4 losses.
Badillo who was one pound over the limit quickly shed off the excess weight and tipped the scales at exactly 115 pounds while Villanueva who is going after the WBO A sia Pacific super flyweight title to add to his OPBF belt checked in at 114 pounds.
AJ "Bazooka" Banal who is returning to the ring after his loss in a battle for the vacant WBO bantamweight crown against Thailand's Pungluang Sor Singyu is determined to prove he is worthy of another world title shot when he takes on Mexico's Abraham "Cholo" Gomez in a ten round non title bout while super bantamweight Prince Albert Pagara faces off with Thailand's Khunkhiri Wor Wisaruth in an eight round bout.
The fights on the highly successful "Pinoy Pride" series which is a partnership between A LA Promotions and ABS-CBN will be telecast on Sunday at 10:15 a.m. over Channel 2 with a replay on Studio 23 at 9:00 p.m. and worldwide coverage over The Filipino Channel among others.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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