Sabillo stakes WBO belt vs Colombian

MANILA, Philippines - Unbeaten Merlito Sabillo is looking to score an impressive win against challenger Jorle Estrada when he makes the first defense of his World Boxing Organization (WBO) minimumweight title on July 13 at the Solaire Hotel and Leisure Park in Pasay City.

Aware that the 24-year-old Colombian doesn’t engage that much inside the ring, Sabillo believes he can knock Estrada out once he lands a big one in their 12-round match that serves as the main event of ALA Promotions’ Pinoy Pride 21: When World Collides.

“Ang style niya takbo ng takbo,“ said Sabillo of his opponent when he graced the weekly PSA Forum Tuesday at Shakey’s Malate. “Mahirap (style) kung hindi mo pag-aaralan. Pero anytime na makakuha ng tama, sigurado yun (knockout).”

Sabillo does have power in his fists as proven by the 11 KOs he scored in 21 victories. In winning the WBO title belt last March, he scored an eight round technical knockout of another Colombian in Luis Dela Rosa in Cerete, Colombia.

In contrast, Jorle sports a 16-6 record, including six KOs, and is ranked No. 6 by the WBO.

“Makita ko lang na puwedeng tapusin, tatapusin ko na,” said the champion.