PARAÑAQUE CITY, Philippines - Merlito 'Tiger' Sabillo (21-0, 11KOs) of the ALA Boxing Gym hopes to make an impression before his fellow countrymen as he defends his WBO minimumweight crown against Colombian challenger Jorle Jacinto Estrada (16-6, 5KOs) in the main event of 'Pinoy Pride XXI: When Worlds Collide' fightcard tonight at the Solaire Casino and Leisure Park here.
“I am feeling the confidence going into the fight because for three months, I prepared for this chance to defend my belt in front of my countrymen. As a boxer, this is a dream come true for me so I will make the most out of this rare opportunity," said Sabillo, who scaled in at 104 lbs., one pound heavier than Estrada, during yesterday official weigh-in.
Sabillo is aiming for no less than a decisive knockout victory but he is also expecting a very determined Estrada, who is itching to score revenge for his compatriot Luis de La Rosa.
Four months ago, Sabillo claimed the previously vacant WBO throne with a masterful eight round stoppage of de La Rosa at the Coliseo San Vicente in Colombia.
“I will not be aggressive right away. I will wait for an opening for a knockout, but I am also ready for a long, hard fight, “ said the pride of Toboso, Negros Occidental.
For his part, ALA Promotions top honcho Antonio Aldeguer sees Sabillo as an exceptional and one of a kind fighter.
“He fought in Colombia with a little chance, but he proved people wrong," said Aldeguer, a Cebu Sports Hall of Famer who is highly regarded as the godfather of Cebu boxing. "He is a very hard working fighter and I can say that it is his destiny to be a world champion. I am confident that he will win this one against the Colombian."
In the supporting main event of the slambang card bankrolled by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports, unbeaten Arthur 'El Matador" Villanueva (21-0, 11KOs) will shoot for the WBO Asia-Pacific super flyweight title against Mexican Arturo 'Fuerte' Badillo (21-4, 19KOs).
On the other hand, AJ Banal (28-2, 20KOs), who failed in his world title bid two times already, will make his ring comeback against Mexican Abraham Gomez (18-7, 9KOs).
Others seeing in the undercard are ALA Gym rising prospect Albert Pagara (16-0, 11KOs), who will slug it out with Thai Khunkhiri Wor Wisaruth (9-4-1, 5KOs), and former amateur standout Vic Saludar, who will have his baptism of fire in the pro ranks under the aegis of ALA Stable against Juanito Hundante. (FREEMAN)