Sabillo to defend WBO belt against Colombian

CEBU, Philippines - Unbeaten ALA Boxing Gym champion Merlito "Tiger" Sabillo (21-0, 11KOs) will defend his WBO minimumweight title for the first time against Colombian challenger Jorle Estrada  in the main event of ‘Pinoy Pride 21’ on July 13 at the Solaire Casino and Leisure Park in Pasay City.

ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael Aldeguer said that the contract has been finalized for Sabillo’s first title defense after his masterful eight round technical knockout victory against Colombian Luis De La Rosa last March 9 at the Coliseo San Vicente in Colombia.

“Lots of fans haven’t seen him (Sabillo) fight that’s why we see this as a great chance for him to showcase his skills,” said Aldeguer.

“We are very excited for Merlito because he will be the Philippine’s next boxing superstar, his style is different and he is definitely an exciting boxer.”

Sabillo marks a historic triumph for Cebu’s fabled ALA Stable as he became the stable’s second world champion in the same period of time. The other one is Sabillo's fellow Negrense in WBO light flyweight titlist Donnie "Ahas" Nietes. Sabillo comes from the town of Toboso in Negros Occidental, while Nietes hails from Murcia, just three kilometers away from Bacolod.

Meanwhile, Aldeguer bared that another undefeated Negrense, Arthur ‘El Matador’ Villanueva (21-0, 11KOs) will see action in the supporting main event as he guns for the WBO Asia Pacific super flyweight title against Mexican Arturo Badillo  (21-4, 19KOs).

Also, former world title challenger AJ ‘Bazooka’ Banal (28-2, 20KOs) is also scheduled to make his comeback as he face Mexican Ramon Maas (26-3, 15KOs) in the undercard.

This is Banal’s first ring appearance since his devastating ninth round technical knockout loss against Thai Pungluang Sor Singyu for the vacant WBO bantamweight belt last October 20 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. (FREEMAN)