IBF CHAMP TAKAYAMA WANTS WBO CHAMP SABILLO
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 14 Jul 2013
Sabillo (L) and Takayama.
PARA?AQUE CITY ? IBF minimumweight champion Katsunari Takayama of Japan was one of the spectators at ringside for Merlito Sabillo?s first title defense against Jorle Estrada of Colombia.
Sabillo (23-0, 12 KO?s) knocked out Estrada with a wicked liver shot in the 9th round to retain his WBO minimumweight world title. Minutes after the bout ended, Takayama spoke with this writer and said that he wants a unification fight with Sabillo.
?I want to fight him next,? Takayama said, ?IBF champion versus WBO champion.? Takayama (25-6-1, 10 KO?s) won the IBF title by beating Mario Rodriguez by unanimous decision last March in Mexico. He previously lost to Nkosinathi Joyi of South Africa in his first attempt to win the IBF belt. The 30 year old Takayama is also a former WBC and WBA interim champion in the 105 lb division. He signed a promotional contract with ALA Promotions in 2010.
?We will fight anyone,? ALA Gym patriarch Antonio Aldeguer told philboxing when asked for his opinion regarding the challenge from Takayama.
ALA Promotions Pres. And CEO Michael Aldeguer said that they are open to the possibility of matching the two boxers. ?This is why we want to continue signing good boxers to fight under ALA Promotions.?
ALA Gym trainer Edito Villamor is also setting his sights at the champion of the WBC, Xiong Zhao Zhong. But the Chinese could very well be headed into a rematch with Denver Cuello.
The possibilities are very bright for the 29 year old Sabillo. ALA Promotions provided Filipino boxing fans with another great show last Saturday at the Solaire Resort and Casino. This guarantees that the boxers fighting under the 'Pinoy Pride' brand will continue to enjoy name recall and recognition from the fans.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 8 SEPTEMBER 2025: Nunez Outpoints Diaz; Iglesias Stops Shishkin; Valdez, Conlan Register Wins in Return
By Eric Armit, Tue, 09 Sep 2025Dante Kirkman Stays Undefeated Triumphing with Dominant Unanimous Decision Win
Tue, 09 Sep 2025Dream fight for Steven Sumpter vs. Undefeated Bek Nurmaganbet This Wednesday at Fontainebleau Las Vegas during ‘Canelo vs. Crawford’ Week
Tue, 09 Sep 2025Yoseline Perez and Malachi Georges Advance to Quarterfinals with Wins on Day Five of World Boxing Championships
Tue, 09 Sep 2025GM candidate Ronald Dableo's squad rules Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso Inter-Barangay Chess Team Tournament, pockets P150,000
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 09 Sep 2025Saggap, Manayon top Heritage Aquathlon
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 09 Sep 2025Rizal Memorial Coliseum: The Arena That Endured War and Forged Generations of Filipino Greats
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Tue, 09 Sep 2025“The Homecoming” turned into Coronation for Marco Romero
Tue, 09 Sep 2025Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz Speaks After Pushing Eduardo Nunez to the Limit in Thrilling War – A Potential Fight of the Year
Tue, 09 Sep 2025Santisima Wins But Vicelles Loses; Suarez-Navarrete Rematch Hangs in the Balance?
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 08 Sep 2025Locked & loaded for Lewis Crocker rematch, Paddy Donovan has prepared to be crowned the new IBF Welterweight World Champion
Mon, 08 Sep 2025Robby Gonzales Advances to Round of 16 with Win Over Cuba
Mon, 08 Sep 2025James Padua rules Marikina rapid chess championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 08 Sep 2025Remembering Gabriel ‘Flash’ Elorde: A Pilgrimage of Gratitude
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sun, 07 Sep 2025Hometown Triumph: Oscar Valdez Defeats Ricky Medina by Decision
Sun, 07 Sep 2025