Sabillo to wage all-out war in title defense vs. Estrada

CEBU, Philippines - ALA Boxing Gym stalwart Merlito 'Tiger' Sabillo (21-0, 11KOs) vows to wage an all-out war when he defends his WBO minimumweight crown against Colombian challenger Jorle Estrada (17-6, 6KOs) in the main event of the  ‘Pinoy Pride XXI’ this Saturday night at the Solaire Casino and Leisure Park in Pasay City.

While he's in peak form and ready to rumble, the 29-year-old Sabillo doesn't take his foe lightly, believing that Estrada poses a big threat in his goal of retaining his world title in front of his fellow countrymen.

“I'm now in top condition. I am ready for this fight and I know he (Estrada) is also ready to go,” said Sabillo. “I prepared hard for this fight not only because I want to keep my belt but also to make an impression before my Filipino fans."

Sabillo is expecting a very aggressive and hungry challenger in Estrada, who seeks revenge for the stinging setback of his compatriot Luis de La Rosa, whom Sabillo stopped in the eight round to seize the WBO 105-pound belt last March 9 in Colombia.

Sabillo is one of the remaining four world champions of the Philippines alongside his stablemate Donnie Nietes (WBO light flyweight), Johnriel Casimero (IBF light flyweight) and Edrin Dapudong (IBO bantamweight).

Like Sabillo, ALA chief trainer Edito Villamor looks forward to an action-packed showdown between Sabillo and Estrada, even as he also predicted that the bout will not last the full 12-round distance.

“We will be very cautious in this fight especially in defense. Merlito is going for the knockout but we will not underestimate Estrada,” said Villamor. “But one thing is for sure, there will be a knockout in this fight.”

In the equally-exciting supporting bouts, the undefeated Arthur ‘El Matador’ Villanueva (21-0, 11KOs) will gun for the WBO Asia Pacific super flyweight title against Mexican Arturo Badillo (21-4, 19KOs), while former world title challenger AJ ‘Bazooka’ Banal (28-2, 20KOs) will make his ring comeback against another Mexican warrior Abraham Gomez (18-7, 9KOs).  (FREEMAN)