ABAP PRESIDENT IMPRESSED BY SABILLO
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 16 Jul 2013
The president of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines or ABAP, Ricky Vargas, was impressed with the performance of WBO minimum weight champion Merlito "Tiger" Sabillo in his successful first title defense against Colombia's No. 6 world ranked contender Jorlie Estrada in "Pinoy Pride XXI" at the plush Solaire Resort and Casino last Saturday.
Vargas who watched the ABS-CBN telecast of the fights on Sunday told the Manila Standard he liked the aggressive stance of Sabillo "who kept chasing his opponent who was scared and kept running."
Vargas said the crunching left hook to the ribs that dropped Estrada who went down grimacing in pain and was counted out by referee Raul Caiz Jr in the 9th round was "a perfect punch. It was devastating."
Vargas believes Sabillo has a good future in the pro ranks.
The WBO champion is likely to defend his title in Dubai this October if ALA Promotions is unable to schedule a title defense for WBO light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes in Dubai in September.
ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told us "the priority is Donnie. He needs to fight. We are trying to move heaven and earth to get a fight in Dubai but if it can't be done in September we'll have to do it here, possibly in Davao City where the last "Pinoy Pride XX" was very well received.
Aldeguer also said he too was impressed with the showing of Sabillo who "made a fight out of it" against a back-pedaling Estrada. Sabillo cut the ring off well and scored with vicious body shots before eventually knocking out Estrada.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Disturbing, Eyebrow-Raising Happenings Involving Filipino Boxers
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 23 Apr 2025HALL OF FAMER “THE COAL MINER’S DAUGHTER” CHRISTY MARTIN TO PARTICIPATE IN 2025 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND FESTIVITIES
Wed, 23 Apr 2025EUBANK JR VS. BENN GRAND ARRIVALS QUOTES
Wed, 23 Apr 2025Headlining again at home a dream come true for 16-0-1 junior middleweight Anthony Velasquez
Wed, 23 Apr 2025Amateur Standout Stephanie Simon Signs with Split-T Boxing Management
Wed, 23 Apr 2025The Past Week in Action 21 April 2025: Fundora KOs Badillo, Retains Undisputed Belts; Smith UD Germain; Kovalev Returns with a Win
By Eric Armit, Tue, 22 Apr 2025Bantamweight Anthony Garnica Scores TKO Against Aston Palicte to Remain Undefeated
Tue, 22 Apr 2025Higher Seeds New York, Denver Fall in Playoffs Second Games to Detroit Pistons, LA Clippers
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 22 Apr 2025Young Gildo: The Baguio Bearcat
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Tue, 22 Apr 2025Filipino International Master Paulo Bersamina places solo runner-up in the 22nd Bangkok Chess Club Open in Thailand
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 22 Apr 2025Female Amateur Boxing Star Sar’ai Brown-El Signs with Split-T Management
Tue, 22 Apr 2025Apolinario to fight Hu in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 21 Apr 2025Warriors Shoot Down Rockets, 95-85 as Celtics, Cavaliers, Thunder Take Care of Business
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 21 Apr 20252025 USA Boxing International Open Finalized on Saturday
Mon, 21 Apr 2025Verano to face Thai in Clash of Nations on April 24
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 21 Apr 2025