Sabillo to arrive in Manila next week

August 18, 2013

WORLD Boxing Organization (WBO) minimum weight champion Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo will arrive in Manila next week for the final phase of his preparation for his first title defense against Colombian challenger Jorle Jacinto Estrada on July 13 at the Solaire Casino in Pasay City.

“Since this is Sabillo’s first title defense in front of his fellow Filipinos, I believe he’s ready,” ALA chief trainer Edito Villamor said in a phone interview. “He won’t let the people down. So far, he is now close to 100 percent and by July 13 he’s on his peak form.”

Sabillo, a 29-year-old native of Negros Occidental, is undefeated in 21 fights winning 11 of them via knockout. He bagged the vacant WBO belt through an eighth round technical knockout win over Colombian Luis Dela Rosa in March.

Estrada for his part has a fight record of 16 wins and six losses. Five of his victories were by knockout.