Sabillo unfazed by foe’s KO threat

MANILA, Philippines - Reigning champion Merlito Sabillo is undaunted by the threat of challenger Jorle Estrada, who vows to knock him out in his bid to wrest the World Boxing Organization (WBO) minimumweight title Saturday night.

The 29-year-old Sabillo said he’s more than ready to find out what the Colombian from San Pelayo will be bringing into the ring for their 12-round bout at the Solaire Resort and Casino Hotel.

“Let’s see if he can knock me out in the seventh round. Let him prove that in the ring,” said Sabillo during the formal press conference of the world title bout Thursday also at Solaire.

Estrada, 24, vowed to knock out the champion inside seven rounds during his personal appearance at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday.

And while he no longer reitereated a KO in seven rounds, Estrada, rated No. 6 contender, nonetheless said he’ll be going back home carrying the WBO belt.  

“I can beat the Filipino champion. I definitely want to bring home the title,” said Estrada (16-6, 5 KOs) through an interpreter.

The match serves as the main event of “Pinoy Pride XXI: When World Collides” presented by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN. ALA boxing president Michael Aldeguer, ABS-CBN Sports vice president Peter Musngi, Solaire chief operating officer  Michael French, and WBO Asia-Pacific vice-president Leon Panoncillo were among those who attended the event.