Estrada aiming for Sabillo crown

MANILA, Philippines - Jorle Estrada of Colombia said he trained long and hard for his coming fight against reigning WBO minimumweight champion Merlito Sabillo of the Philippines.

And he’s here to score a knockout.

“Seven rounds,” said Estrada who graced yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate along with the foreign fighters for Saturday’s Pinoy Pride XXI at Solaire Resort and Casino.

Estrada, who carries a ring record of 17-6 with six knockouts, said he won’t settle for anything less than a knockout against Sabillo, undefeated in 21 fights.

Sabillo, the 29-year-old champion from Toboso in Negros Occidental, was not at the forum, and will meet Estrada for the first time in tomorrow’s press conference.

“I prepared three months for this fight,” said the 24-year-old Estrada through an interpreter, John Sheehan.

Sabillo is one of only three remaining Filipino boxing champions today along with IBF lightfly champion Johnriel Casimero and WBO light-fly king Donnie Nietes.

“It’s my first time here in the Philippines and I’m happy to represent Colombia. It doesn’t matter if I’m fighting here because I came here to win. I know his style. I’ve observed him through the Internet,” added Estrada.

The fight will highlight the first boxing card to be held in the county’s newest resort and casino. A press conference is set tomorrow and the weigh-in on Friday.

Also on tap on fight night are King Arthur Villanueva of the Philippines and Arturo “Fuerte” Badillo of Mexico for the WBO Asia-Pacific super-flyweight title, AJ “Bazooka” Banal vs Abrahan “Cholo” Gomez of Mexico, and Prince Albert Pagara vs  Khunkhiri Wor Wisaruth of Thailand.

Four other bouts will spice up the card: Jessel Magsayo against Jamjam Ungon, Elmo Traya vs Diover Mangaya-ya, Vic Saludar vs Juanito Hundante and Brian Lobitania vs Gilbert Donasales.

Like the Colombian, Badillo said he expects to fight a good fight. He said he flew 24 hours to get to the Philippines but is prepared for battle.

“I prepared for 12 rounds. But if a knockout comes, then it comes,” said Badillo.