CEBU, Philippines - Unbeaten ALA Boxing Gym champion Merlito "Tiger" Sabillo (23-0, 12KOs) faces a daunting task as he puts his WBO minimumweight title on the line against Mexican challenger Francisco ‘Chihuas’ Rodriguez (13-2, 9KOs) this Sunday at the Arena Monterrey in Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
Sabillo who has trained for almost two months in the United States is already in Mexico together with ALA chief trainer Edito Villamor.
“Merlito is prepared for this fight. His training in the US has really helped him to improve not only in his strength and stamina but also his skills inside the ring,†said Villamor.
Team Sabillo is confident even if the Toboso, Negros Occidental-native faces an uphill battle as he will try to retain his title on the line for the first time at enemy’s lair.
“Of course we are looking for an impressive victory and I am confident that Merlito will go home to the Philippines still carrying the belt,†added Villamor.
Sabillo kept his WBO title last November 30 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum against No.1 contender Carlos Buitrago of Nicaragua in a tough 12-round war that resulted in a split draw.
“I learned a lot from that fight (against Buitrago) and I want to show how far I have improved this time against Rodriguez,†said the 30-year-old Sabillo.
Sabillo, who hails from Toboso, Negros Occidental, captured the vacant WBO belt with a masterful eight round TKO win over Colombian Luis De La Rosa on March 9 last year at the Coliseo San Vicente in Colombia.
For his part, Rodriguez won seven of his last eight fights with his lost coming from the dreaded Nicaraguan champion Roman Gonzales on September 21 last year. (FREEMAN)