Sabillo arrives in Mexico
By Jerome S. Galunan Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 19 Mar 2014
Sabillo.
BACOLOD CITY -- Reigning WBO minimumweight champion Merlito ?Tiger? Sabillo, alongside trainer Edito Villamor, has arrived in Monterrey, Mexico after flying United Airlines from San Diego, California.
The Negrense champion has been in rigid training in the United States for almost a month in preparation for his title defense against the young Mexican challenger Francisco ?Chihuas? Rodriguez Jr. on Saturday, March 22 at the latter?s hometown.
?I pray that I win this fight,? Sabillo said. ?I am very thankful for the support given to me by the Aldeguer and Guanzon families as well as to the writers ? who helped me a lot,? the champion said.
The Toboso town-born Sabillo, who likewise grew up in Brgy. Singcag-Airport in Bacolod City, will be putting its title at stake as well as undefeated record of 23 wins and a draw with 12 victories coming by way of knockouts. Meanwhile, his challenger 20-year-old Rodriquez is impressive with 13-2 win-loss card with 9KOs.
Sabillo has been successful keeping an unblemished record after ending his last title defense in a split draw against tough Carlos Buitrago of Nicaragua.
Though, it?s not Sabillo?s first fight in the Latin American soil, but the champion isn?t complacent as Mexicans are true fighters.
It was recalled, that in March 9, 2013 Sabillo defeated Colombian Luis dela Rosa in Coliseo Mario de Leon to win the championship belt.
Sabillo?s fellow Negrense international boxing titlists ? WBO Inter-Continental Super Bantamweight champion Genesis ?Azukal? Servania and WBO International Super Flyweight champion ?King? Arthur Villanueva ? had given him some encouragement onwards the fight date.
?We know Sabillo very well. He can defend his title because, he?s brave and a great champion. There?s a big chance he can defend it,? Servania said.
Meanwhile, Villanueva believed that Sabillo can make it. ?Just keep praying and stay focused,? he advised. (WATCHMEN DAILY JOURNAL)
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