Unbeaten Sabillo vies for interim WBO crown today

CEBU, Philippines - The undefeated ALA-promoted fighter Merlito ‘Tiger’ Sabillo (20-0, 10KOs) hopes to hurdle the most difficult test of his career when he takes on Colombia's hometown pride Luis de la Rosa (21-1, 12KOs) in a 12-rumble for the interim WBO minimumweight title today at the Coliseo Mario de Leon in Cerete, Colombia.

Sabillo knows that he's in for a tough challenge fighting for the first time on foreign land, but the Toboso, Negros Occidental-native ring gladiator is determined to bring home not only the crown but also pride and honor for his Filipino countrymen.

“This is a chance of a lifetime for me to become a world champion and I am determined to get that belt,” said the OPBF 105-pound titlist.

Sabillo rides on the crest of a four-fight winning streak last year capped with a first round TKO victory against Rollen del Castillo on December 15 at the PAGCOR Hotel and Casino in Bacolod City.

For his part, ALA chief trainer Edito Villamor admitted that De la Rosa poses a great danger to Sabillo, but he is confident that his prized ward will gamely rise to the challenge.

“He (De la Rosa) is a tough boxer with an impressive record but Merlito trained hard and sacrificed a lot for this fight. I have a big hopes for him to win the title,” said Villamor. “We traveled halfway around the globe, but Sabillo is pumped up and in 100% condition.”

If victorious, Sabillo will earn a mandatory shot at reigning WBO minimumweight champion Moises Fuentes of Mexico. There's also a possibility that he will be declared the regular champion should Fuentes decide  to stay in the light flyweight division where he failed to snatch the title following a controversial majority draw with Donnie "Ahas" Nietes last March 2 at the Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino. (FREEMAN)