Pinoy Pride XXI: affirmation, confirmation and redemption

Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo is thrilled to be fighting in front of his countrymen in Metro Manila for the first time, and in a world title fight, at that. The Negros Occidental native is cementing his claim to the WBO minimumweight title in “Pinoy Pride XXI: When Worlds Collide” on July 13 at Solaire Resort and Casino, the first time a world championship bout will be held at that venue. Sabillo won the interim belt in Cerete, Colombia in March. Referee Genaro Rodriguez halted the bout at 2:52 of the eighth round to save Sabillo’s opponent Luis De la Rosa from further punishment.

“I’m very excited to be defending the world title in front of my countrymen. It really means a lot,” Sabillo told The STAR. “I’ve always tried to keep learning and getting better. I never dreamed I would be a world champion.”

Junjun Sabillo tried BMX, basketball and karate, taking the circuitous route before deciding to become a boxer. He is finally fulfilling both his dreams of being able to provide for his family and bringing honor to his country.

“I was really trying to find something, a job to support my family,” the champion recalls. “I became Philippine champion, but the money still wasn’t enough. So I gave my all, became Asia-Pacific champion and world champion, and now I’m happy that I can take care of the people dearest to me.”

Sabillo is undefeated in 22 fights, and has knocked out half of his opponents. Tiger is a very crafty boxer in the ring, patient and persistent. He is up against Colombian Jorle Estrada (17 wins, 6 losses), who has won his last four fights, two by knockout. Sabillo is thankful for the extra boost the home crowd will give him and his fellow ALA Promotions boxers. He follows in the footsteps of stablemate and WBO light flyweight champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes, who reigned as WBO world minimumweight king from 2007 to 2011 before moving up in weight. Nietes is closing in on Flash Elorde’s record as the longest-reigning Filipino world champion. Elorde was world champion for seven straight years. 

His fellow Negrense, OPBF super flyweight champion “King Arthur” Villanueva will be going for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific super flyweight title against Mexican Arturo Badillo, who is almost four inches taller. Villanueva is confident of a victory, having studied the style of his opponent. 

“I don’t really need to go inside against him,” Villanueva says. “I know he will come in. I just have to wait for the right time.”

Surprisingly on the undercard is two-time world championship contender AJ “Bazooka” Banal. In ALA Promotions’ first foray into Metro Manila for a world championship in October, Banal lost via an embarrassing ninth-round TKO to Pungluang Sor Singyu for the vacant WBO bantamweight title at the Mall of Asia Arena. Banal was leading the fight, despite being deducted a point by veteran world championship referee Tony Weeks for repeated low blows in the sixth round, mysteriously, Banal lost steam, and the sturdy Thai floored him in that fateful round. 

“My pacing was bad,” Banal admitted. “I got too excited. Now, I’m really grateful to (ALA president) Mr. Michael Aldeguer for giving me another chance. This is my comeback fight.”

This was the second time Banal failed in his quest for a world title. In July of 2008, Banal was decked by hardy Panamanian Rafael Concepcion in the 10th round of their slugfest for the interim WBA world super flyweight title. Again, Banal was leading by a mile, but was dehydrated by the later rounds, and spaced out. He had apparently hit fight weight three weeks before the match, and depleted himself keeping his weight down. He is fortunate to have escaped the fate of compatriot Boom Boom Bautista, who retired after similar frustrations ascending the world stage.

Pinoy Pride XXI promises to be a night of affirmation, confirmation and redemption for three proud Filipinos, and another step in the right direction for ALA Promotions.