Sabillo, Banal on a mission vow to rise from the ashes of stinging defeats in Pinoy Pride 28

CEBU, Philippines – Former WBO minimumweight champion Merlito ‘Tiger’ Sabillo and two-time world title challenger AJ ‘Bazooka’ Banal are both determined to prove that they still have the ability and the heart to get back and be a world champion as they see action in the undercard of ‘Pinoy Pride 28: History in the making’ on November 15 at the Pacific grand ballroom of the Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

The blockbuster fight card is headlined by ALA Boxing champion Donnie ‘Ahas’ Nietes, who will be defending his WBO light flyweight title against Mexican challenger Carlos ‘Chapito’ Velarde.

Sabillo failed to retain his WBO title against Francisco Rodriguez Jr. on March 22 in Monterrey, Mexico, while Banal lost via ninth round knockout in his bid for the WBO bantamweight title against Thailand’s Pungluang Sor Singyu two years ago at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

“It was a painful defeat but I learned so many things after that fight and I want to do it step by step until I can fight for the world title again,” said the 30-year-old Sabillo in a press conference yesterday at the St. Mark Hotel.

The Toboso, Negros Occidental-native Sabillo (23-1, 12KOs) will start his road to redemption as he slugs it out with Indonesian Faris Nenggo (8-2, 6KOs).

Banal, for his part, admitted that he has wasted two chances to become a world champion in the past, but he is not losing hope as he wants to do one last run for the world championship.

Banal (31-2, 22KOs) wants to show that he is back on the right track as takes on Thailand’s Maxsaisai Sithsaithong (15-5, 4KOs).

After his lost to Sor Singyu, Banal went on a three-fight winning streak capped off with a second round TKO victory over Defry Palulu last June 21 at the Waterfront Hotel.

“I am training hard because I want to show that I can still be a world champion. I just want to keep on winning until I get that chance,” said Banal.

In another attraction, ALA featherweight prospect Mark Jessel Magsayo (80,6KOs) will also be tested against South Korean Moon Sun Jung (2-3). (FREEMAN)