Sabillo Expects Tough Title Defense Against Rodriguez

By Ronnie Nathanielsz –

WBO minimumweight champion Merlito “Tiger”Sabillo knows he won’t have an easy title defense against Mexico’s Francisco Rodriguez Jr in Monterrey, Mexico on Saturday in a fight to be telecast by ABS-CBN Sports and Action over the revamped Studio 23.

ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told the Manila Standard that Sabillo watched tapes of Rodriguez’ fights “a number of times” and concedes “it won’t be an easy fight because Rodriguez can box, he is technical fighter who is smart and  can punch” as shown in his record of 9 knockouts in 13 wins with just two defeats.

Aldeguer said that he had spoken to trainer Edito “Ala” Villamor who will be in the corner of Sabillo and that he was informed “training has been perfect and it was the best training camp they ever had.”

Villamor told us that they have been concentrating on “the battle plan after watching tapes and doing some instructional punch-mitts.” He also went through the regular routine of skipping rope, shadow boxing., working om the speed ball and light bagging.”

In his strength and conditioning regimen Sabillo swam in the pool, some plyometrics, sprints, balancing and some exercises on his body to relax his muscles.”

He said they worked on the conditioning of the undefeated southpaw with strength and conditioning coach Nick Carson and that Sabillo who possesses a vicious left hook was in great shape.

Aldeguer said Sabillo, the 30 year old former street fighter from Bacolod City who is undefeated with a record of 23-0-1 with 12 knockouts “wants to make a statement and while it won’t be an easy fight Sabillo is ready to go.”

The ALA Promotions outfit didn’t take any chances and Aldeguer told us “ that’s why Merlito flew to the US to train abroad for this fight” both at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles and in the Daniel Ponce De Leon gym .

He said Sabillo has been “tapering down in San Diego and getting ready for the fight.” He will be joined by ALA Promotions vice president Dennis Canete who left for the US on Saturday night and will join the team to Mexico.

Knowing how dangerous a challenger Rodriguez is, Aldeguer said thay have “two options and in case Sabillo loses there will be a rematch.”

He said “we have everything prepared and if he does well it will be good for his career.”

Sabillo is coming off a close split draw against undefeated Carlos Buitrago of Nicaragua at the Araneta Coliseum last November 30 after scoring a one-punch, 9th round  knockout with a thunderous left hook to the ribs against Colombia’s Jorlie Estrada.

The 20 year old Rodriguez won a 5th round technical decision over Ernesto Guerrero who suffered an apparent rib injury last January 18 after going down by a 7th round TKO to Roman Gonzalez, the undefeated WBA light flyweight champion from Nicaragua  on September 21 last year.

Rodriguez also had two big wins prior to the loss to Gonzales, scoring a 3rd round TKO over Manuel Chango” Vargas on January 26, 2013 and a 5th round TKO over Victor Ruiz on July 13.

 http://www.boxingscene.com/sabillo-expects-tough-title-defense-against-rodriguez–75723

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

THE up-and-coming young stars of the ALA Gym will get much needed exposure in a huge boxing event at the posh Solaire Resort and Casino in Manila next weekend.

Unbeaten prospects Albert Pagara, Mark Magsayo and Melvin Gumban will be featured in the undercard of Pinoy Pride XXIV – “The Future is Now”.

“We feel that it is important for our young prospects to build their confidence and to be exposed as they prepare themselves to headline Idol,” ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu.

The 20-year-old Pagara (18-0, 12 KOs) faces one of his stiffest tests, former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia-Pacific super flyweight titleholder Isack Junior (22-4-2, 8 KOs), in a 10-round fight.

Magsayo (4-0, 3 KOs), 18, is up against struggling Roy-Roy Sumugat (9-9-1, 3 KOs) in a six-round fight, while 23-year-old Gumban (15-0, 7 KOs) is taking on journeyman Dino Lelis (10-11-2, 5 KOs).

Pagara, Magsayo and Gumban are all included in ALA Promotions’ roster of young fighters that will be featured in their boxing show “Idol.”

“They have the potential but only time can tell,” said Aldeguer.

Also in the undercard are other up-and-coming boxers taking on each other.

Genesis Servania (23-0, 9 KOs) is seeing action in the main event against one of his toughest opponents to date, former world champion Alexander Muñoz (36-5, 28 KOs), in a WBO Inter-Continental super bantamweight title defense.

Arthur Villanueva (24-0, 14 KOs) is featured in the co-main event against Mexican former world title contender Juan Hernandez (23-3, 16 KOs). He is defending his WBO International super flyweight strap.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/sports/2014/02/19/ala-gives-upstarts-needed-exposure-329215

By Rene Bonsubre, Jr. –

MANDAUE CITY, CEBU – Blue chip prospects Genesis “Azukal” Servania (R) and “King” Arthur Villanueva (L) will be featured in the 24th edition of the popular “PINOY PRIDE” boxing series at the Solaire Resort and Casino.

Servania (23W-0L, 9 KO’s) will stake his WBO Intercontinental super bantamweight title against Alexander “El Explosivo” Muñoz (36-5, 28 KO’s) of Venezuela.

The official launching of the card billed as “The Future is Now” was held Wednesday noon at the Copenhagen Hotel and Residences. During the event, ALA Promotions Pres and CEO Michael Aldegeuer stated that this fight will determine if Servania is ready to fight for a world title. He said that Servania is in search of a career defining fight and Muñoz, a former WBA super flyweight champ, will certainly provide a tough test.

Muñoz has lost to quality fighters like Cristian Mijares, Koki Kameda and Leo Santa Cruz. This will be Servania’s second stint as a Pinoy Pride headliner and his first as a main event event boxer in Metro Manila. Last October in Cebu City, Servania, who was recently picked as the best boxer by the WBO, knocked out Panamanian Rafael Concepcion in two rounds.Servania recently arrived from his training stint in the U.S and Mexico

This is the second PINOY PRIDE event set at the Solaire. Last July 13, 2013, the venue was the site of Merlito Sabillo’s successful defense of his WBO 105 lb division title against Jorle Estrada of Colombia.

Villanueva (24-0, 14 KO’s), the reigning WBO International super flyweight titlist, will be the co-main feature against Mexico’s Juan “Churritos” Hernandez. Villanueva had a stellar year, beating another erstwhile undefeated Filipino prospect, Marco Demecillo by unanimous decision and stopping Mexican boxers Arturo Badillo and Edgar Martinez.

Hernandez owns a disqualification win against Filipino minimumweight contender Denver Cuello and a split decision win over Moises Fuentes. This is the same Fuentes who fought Donnie Nietes to a draw here in Cebu last year. In 2011, Hernandez lost to Kazuto Ioka of Japan in his attempt to win the WBC minimumweight title. He also lost to Ramon Garcia Hirales by 8th round KO last year.

L-R: Trainer Editor Villamor, Arthur Villanueva, ALA President Michael Aldeguer and Genesis Servania during Wednesday’s presscon at the Copenhagen Hotel & Residences in Mandadue City. Photo by Dong Secuya.

The undercards will also showcase another unbeaten ALA boxer, “Prince” Albert Pagara, who will fight Isack Junior of Indonesia.

Rounding up the undercards are Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo vs Royroy Sumugat (6 rounds), Melvin Gumban vs Dino Lelis (8 rounds), Vic Saludar vs Philip Luis Cuerdo (6 rounds) and Reyme Castillano Aleye of Cuba vs Justo Bornilla.

Aleye had an impressive showing against Rodel Wenceslao last month during the Sinulog Festival here in Cebu.

FUTURE CARDS

ALA Promotions CEO Michael Aldeguer also announced their plans for this year’s PINOY PRIDE events. They will have an event in Davao City this April 5 with Jason Pagara as the headliner. The venue of the rematch between Nietes and Fuentes is still under negotiation but if it will be held here, they plan to stage the event at the Mall of Asia Arena on May 3. There is a June 20 event penned for Dubai and a July card in San Diego.The California State Athletic Commission has approved ALA Promotions’ plan to stage a boxing show there this year.

Does this mean there will be fewer big boxing events for Cebu?

Aldeguer acknowledged PINOY PRIDE’s origins and growth in Cebu and thanked the Cebu media for their continuing support. He also stated that since Cebu boxing fans have been watching so many big events throughout the years, they have learned to expect higher quality match-ups. Cebu, however, is in need of a bigger boxing venue, bigger than the Waterfront Hotel. There is a huge arena under construction at the South Reclamation area and this could very well host the next world title bouts here in the country’s fight capital.

http://philboxing.com/news/story-91981.html

By Ronnie Nathanielsz –

Undefeated WBO Intercontinental super bantamweight champion Genesis “Azukal” Servania will headline an exciting ALA Promotions fight card at the plush Solaire Resort Hotel and Casino on March 1.

ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard that Servania, one of the most promising fighters in the famous ALA Gym will be joined by another undefeated fighter, WBO International super flyweight and OPBF champion “King” Arthur Villanueva.

Aldeguer who leaves for the US on Thursday to try and finalize details of WBO light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes’ next title defense with Top Rank promoter Bob Arum and to complete the setting up of an ALA Gym in San Diego, California  said he is “ working in a big name opponent for Servania and also  Villanueva.

Servania who is rated No. 3 by the WBO behind No.1 ranked Chris Avalos and Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire who is at No. 2 has a record of 23-0 with 9 knockouts.

Aldeguer said Servania would join former flyweight title challenger Milan Melindo and train in the US and that he planned to have them spend a week at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles before training at the Top Rank Gym in Las Vegas.

The 22 year old is coming off an impressive 2nd round TKO of former WBA super flyweight champion Rafael “El Torito” Concepcion of Panama who had previously gone twelve rounds with Donaire in a fight where Concepcion came in four pounds over the limit last October 26, 2013.

Servania has a tough time against Japan’s Konusuke Tomiyama in Macau on a Top Rank card on July 27, 2013 when the Filipino won a 9th round technical decision because of a bloodied left eyelid caused by an accidental head-butt.

Servania was dropped twice in the opening round but came back to deck Tomiyama late in round one and once again in round three to win a close decision.

The 24 year old Villanueva who has a record of 24-0 with 14 knockouts won the vacant WBO International 115 pound title with a smashing 1st round knockout of Edgar   Martinez on October 26, 2013 after earlier winning the vacant WBO Asia Pacific title with a 4th round TKO of Arturo Badillo.

Villanueva captured the vacant Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation title with a close unanimous decision over Japan’s Taiki Ito on December 19, 2012. Significantly, Japanese judge Yuji Fukuchi scored the fight 113-112 for Villanueva who was down in rounds one and nine but also decked Ito in round four.

He is ranked No. 3 by the WBO, No. 4 by the IBF, No. 8n by the WBA and No. 15 by the WBC.

http://www.boxingscene.com/genesis-servania-headline-ala-card-on-march-1–73249

Date:  Saturday, November 30, 2013

Title:  WBO Mini-Flyweight

Location: Araneta Coliseum, Barangay Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Promoter:  ALA Promotions/Michael Aldeguer

Supervisor:  Leon Panoncillo, Jr.

Referee:  Jack Reiss

Judges:  Levi Martinez (113-115); Joerg Milke (115-113); and Takeshi Shimakawa (114-114)

Result:  Was a split decision, Sabillo retained his title.  It was a competitive match.

Date:  November 30, 2013

Title:  WBO Jr. Flyweight Championship

Location:  Araneta Coliseum, Barangay Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Promoter: ALA Promotions/Michael Aldeguer

Supervisor:  Leon Panoncillo, Jr.

Referee:  Celestino Ruiz

Judges:  Danrex Tapdasan, Esq. ;  Jack Reiss; Levi Martinez

Result:  Nietes, knockouted Gutierrez in the third round at 2:58.

By Ronnie Nathanielsz –

Both WBO light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes and minimumweight king Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo as well as challengers Sammy “Guty” Gutierrez of Mexico and unbeaten 21 year old Carlos Buitrago of Nicaragua looked ripped and ready for their epic battles at the faned Araneta Coliseum tonight.

In a possible record-setting feat all 18 fighters on the “Pinoy Pride XXIII” card of ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN tipped the scales at the maximum weight limit which in itself demonstrated how disciplined the fighters are and how ready they are for action in the biggest fight card at the Big Dome in years.

ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer assured BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard that the fighters are here “not just to fight but to win and thats what boxing is all about. The condition of the fighters says it all.”

Aldeguer said “many people didn’t realize what we went through emotionally with the super typhoon and the massive earthquake. This is what its all about. We rise again. As promoters we feel we have an obligation to the fighters and hopefully this fight card
will start it all. With this event boxing is back in the Philippines  and hopefully it will make a statement that the world will realize we are here to stay and we’ll rise again” following the spectacular comeback victories of Manny Pacquiao and Nonito “The Filipino
Flash” Donaire.

Nietes who has been recognized as one of the top 100 fighters in the world today will be making his first appearance in the main event at the famed Araneta Coliseum and will be up against the rugged Mexican Sammy “Guty”Gutierrez who has faced world champions in the past and has a 5th round TKO over Roilo Golez and a 7th round TKO over Renan Trongco and is determined to make another Filipino his victim.

Aldeguer told the Manila Standard that Nietes “wantsd to avenge the defeats of his countrymen and Donnie wants to prove a lot. He’s been a champion f or six years but he still doesn’t get the recognition that Manny Pacquiao, Nonito Donaire and Brian Viloria get. Right now is the time to show what he can do. He knows how to win but he hasd to bring that excitement back.”

Aldeguer told the Manila Standard that Sabillo is an “exciting fighter that people want to see after they heard about him and now its a defining moment in his career and if he wins it will raise him to a new level and the start of a whole new career.”

The ALA Promotions president said Sabillo is “so focused, nothing bothers him at all. We feel that he’s a special fighter, he’s an exciting fighter and can be a big star in the Philippines.”

Aldeguer said the Sabillo-Buitrago showdown “is a fight the people want to see. Two undefeated champions going after each other. What more can you ask for?”

Buitrago is the Interim champion and said he is determined to take the title back to Nicaragua buoyed by the fact that there will be a live coverage beamed to his hometown but Sabillo promised “that will never happen.”

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=72176

By Ronnie Nathanielsz –

Revenge is on the mind of undefeated WBO “Best Boxer of the Year” and the reigning WBO Asia Pacific super bantamweight champion Genesis “Azukal” Servania when he faces Panama’s former WBA super flyweight interim champion Rafael “El Torito” Concepcion for the WBO Intercontinental title at the Waterfront Hotel & Casino in Cebu on Saturday.

The “Pinoy Pride XXII” card staged by the famed ALA Promotions in partnership with the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN will be telecast on The Filipino Channel with a delayed telecast at 10:15 a.m. on Sunday over Channel 2.

The bad blood between the cocky Concepcion who scored a stunning 10th round knockout over fancied  AJ “Bazooka”  Banal on July 26, 2008 and has vowed to give Servania an even more humiliating defeat resulted in a fierce exchange of words during a post weigh-in stare-down at the Ayala Activity  Center Friday,  forcing GAB official Celso  Miranda to step in and separate the two fighters.

Concepcion annoyed Servania when he offered him a blue pillow taunting the Filipino prospect by claiming he would put him to sleep early.

Servania promised to make Concepcion eat his words and adding, “I trained hard for this fight and will make him eat his words.”

Taking a cue from Concpcion, Mexico’s Edgar “Chololo” Martinez said he would shock the world and upset undefeated “King” Arthur Villanueva in their WBO International super flyweight title fight.

Boasting that Mexicans are the best fighters in the world, Martinez asked Villanueva to take a look t his fists because it would be the last thing he would see.

Villanueva reacted calmly and indicated he will let his fists do the talking in the ring. Rated by all four major world boxing organizations, Villanueva is hoping that an impressive showing against Martinez will help line him up for a wold title shot.

http://www.boxingscene.com/genesis-servenia-concepcion-bad-blood-continues–70970

MANILA – November is shaping up to be a busy month for Pinoy boxing fans with Filipino boxing superstars Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire Jr. both scheduled to return to the ring after suffering losses.

On Tuesday, the Pinoy Pride Series, presented by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports, announced its latest boxing event “Filipinos Kontra Latinos” with two world championship belts on the line. It will be held at Araneta Coliseum on November 30.

The Filipino boxers will be led by WBO world light-flyweight champion Donni “Ahas” Nietes, who has held a world title since 2007.

The other Pinoy boxers include:

• Undisputed WBO world minimumweight champion Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo, who downed Colombian challenger Jorlie Estrada during the ninth round with a perfect left hook body shot for his first title defense at the Solaire Resort and Casino last July.
• Milan “El Metodico” Melindo, who displayed tremendous courage despite losing a 12-round unanimous decision in the unifying WBO/WBA world flyweight championship in Macau against Juan Francisco Estrada.
• Highly ranked WBO No. 4 contender Jason Pagara, whose quest for a world title is an uphill climb for this young boxer; and
• AJ “Bazooka” Banal, who has a record of 29-21 with 21 KO’s and is currently No. 13 in the WBO bantamweight rankings, and comes fresh from his victory against Abrahan Gomez last July.

This is the first time that all five Filipino boxers will come together in one event.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/10/15/13/nietes-headline-filipinos-kontra-latinos-event

By Ronnie Nathanielsz –

Ala Promotions president Michael Aldeguer is looking to stage a double world title fight card in Dubai in October in partnership with the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN whose “Pinoy Pride” series continues to register remarkable TV ratings.

Aldeguer told BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard he is “really working on putting up something really big in Dubai” and is considering a mandatory title defense of WBO minimumweight champion Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo against Nicaragua’s Nicaragua’s undefeated Carlos Buitrago.

The 21 year old Buitrago has an impressive record, being unbeaten in 27 fights with 16 knockouts. He won the Interim title with a twelve round unanimous decision over Julian Yedres who was also undefeated at that time with a record of 21-0 with 13 knockouts, on July 20 this year.

He had earlier scored a 6th round TKO over Colombia’s Jorlie Estrada who was knocked out in the 9th round by Sabillo at the plush Solaire Resort and Casino overlooking Manila Bay last July 13.

Buitrago had also beaten Eddy Castro of Nicaragua  by a  2nd round TKO on May 6, 2011 and followed with a 5th round TKO exactly one year later. Castro is the same fighter who was knocked out in the second round by then minimum  weight champion Donnie Nietes in a title defense on August 30, 2008.

Sabillo who is a devastating puncher and an aggressive fighter has a record of  23-0 with 12 knockouts and was a former street fighter in Bacolod who moved to the famed ALA Gym at the age of 25. He is now 29.

Plans call for Sabillo to headline the card alongside WBO light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes.

Aldeguer said “we can’t prolong the wait for Nietes and we will discuss with ABS-CBN’s Peter Musngi the chances of staging a world title double-header and indicated there  is “a strong possibility” it would  happen.

Aldeguer said he was informed recently in Macau by Zanfer Promotions that mandatory challenger Moises Fuentes suffered a cut in his last fight when he scored a ten round unanimous decision over Gerardo Verde in Tijuana on June 28 and that since they can’t wait  until next year, Nietes who retained his title with a close majority draw when he first faced Fuentes last March 2, they  may have a voluntary defense before a Fuentes rematch.

He said that next year the plan is to set-up operations in San Diego, California and will study the chance to put on the Nietes title defense against Fuentes in the United States.

http://www.boxingscene.com/sabillo-nietes-wbo-doubleheader-eyed-dubai–68346

By Ronnie Nathanielsz –

Nicaragua’s undefeated Carlos Buitrago will face WBO minimumweight champion Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo in the Filipino’s second title defense planned for Dubai this October in a joint presentation of ALA Promotions and the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN.

WBO president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel gave us the information at a dinner hosted for him, Championship Committee chairman Luis Batista Salas  and  Mexican promoter Felix “Tito” Zabala  by ABS-CBN’s Gabby Lopez at the Intercontinental Hotel Wednesday.

Buitrago is only 21 years old but has an impressive record, being unbeaten in 27 fights with 16 knockouts.

He won the Interim title with a twelve round unanimous decision over Julian Yedres who was also undefeated at that time with a record of 21-0 with 13 knockouts, on July 20 this year.

Buitrago had earlier scored a 6th round TKO over Colombia’s Jorlie Estrada who was knocked out in the 9th round by Sabillo at the plush Solaire Resort and Casino overlooking Manila Bay last July 13.

Buitrago had also beaten Eddy Castro of Nicaragua by a 2nd round TKO on May 6, 2011 and followed with a 5th round TKO exactly one year later. Castro is the same fighter who was knocked out in the second round by then minimum  weight champion Donnie Nietes in a title defense on August 30, 2008.

Sabillo who is a devastating puncher and an aggressive fighter has a record of  23-0 with 12 knockouts and was a former street fighter in Bacolod who moved to the famed ALA Gym at the age of 25. He is now 29.

http://www.boxingscene.com/sabillo-vs-buitrago-wbo-title-fight-heads-dubai–68210

Pinoy Pride XXI WBO Officials (L-R): Referee Raul Caiz Jr, Judges Salven Lagumbay, Ed Olalo, Joe Garcia and Bruce McTavish, WBO Vice-President Leon Panoncillo Jr, Referee Danrex Tapdasan and Judge Ulysses Glen. Photo by Dong Secuya.

No less than the biggest boxing promoters in the country are in agreement that when it comes to holding the biggest and the best events, officials of the World Boxing Organization (WBO) in the Philippines and elsewhere in Asia are at par with the best anywhere in the world.

This was nowhere more evident than during the “Pinoy Pride XXI” event at the plush Solaire Resort and Casino, where the WBO once again had a big night with two title belts being put at stake for the mega boxing promotion.

WBO Asia Pacific chairman Leon Panoncillo, who single-handedly brought the WBO in Asia into the world, takes much pride in his officials, indicating the high level of professionalism attained by the officials all through these years.

This is the same professionalism that has earned the respect of ALA Promotions, the country’s biggest promoter, as the WBO officials are noted for the amount of improvement they have racked up since the first edition of Pinoy Pride series.

“I commend you for arriving on time for the weigh-ins and rules meetings. I know you are busy in your respective fields, but you really take the time to join each rules meeting and you dress the part,” said Panoncillo, noting that WBO officials are always prim and proper during meetings leading up to fight night.

ALA Promotions patriarch, the beloved sportsman Antonio L. Aldeguer, is always first to commend the WBO officials based on how they conduct themselves during weigh-ins and fight night. WBO officials always attend weigh-ins in suits and formal attire, a big departure from the old school organizations whose officials wear jeans and shirts during weigh-ins and press conferences.

WBO Asia chairman Leon Panoncillo also makes sure everything is in order before each fight, making sure all purses, sanctioning fees and officials’ fees are turned in before the first bell. This is a far cry from stories we hear of fighters and officials not getting paid in other organizations.

Even ABS-CBN, which covers the ‘Pinoy Pride’ series and the biggest television network in the country, are apparently impressed with how the WBO runs shows in the country. Veteran sportswriter and commentator Ronnie Nathanielsz always notes how the officials score fairly and conduct themselves in the right manner.

As it is, all these is a result of long years of improving and having a keen understanding of the sport, said Panoncillo.

“We could not have done this without the support of credible promoters like ALA Promotions and leading network like ABS-CBN,” the WBO exec said.

In the Philippines, the WBO boasts of two officials who are licensed by the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC), regarded as the universal organization for boxing. International boxing judge Salven Lagumbay was the first Filipino to earn an ABC certification, followed by international referee Danrex Tapdasan. International judge Edward Ligas is also a regular WBO Convention attendee, just like Lagumbay and Tapdasan.

http://philboxing.com/news/story-85251.html

By Ronnie Nathanielsz –

Undefeated Milan Melindo, the mandatory challenger for the WBO flyweight title of Mexico’s Juan Franciscio Estrada is prepared for war against the champion who won the WBO/WBA titles with an impressive win over Brian Viloria last April 6 in Macau.

Melindo will face Estrada at the same Cotai Arena in the Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino but isn’t fazed by the challenge.

ALA Promotions premier trainer Edito “Ala” Villamor told BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard they would leave for Macau on Sunday “to wind down training, adjust to the climate and environment and get ready for war.”

Villamor said Melindo is in “great condition and mentally prepared” like he always is.
Melindo who scored a smashing 4th round TKO over Indonesian toughie Tommy Seran (23-1, 14 KO’s)  on the undercard of the Estrada-Viloria title fight , impressed Top Rank promoter Bob Arum with his showing to earn the title shot on a blockbuster card that will be telecast on July 24 at 10:15 a.m. over ABS-CBN Channel 2 with a replay on Studio 23 and coverage over The Filipino Channel worldwide.

Villamor said Melindo had watched the Estrada-Viloria fight live in Macau and also reviewed some of his fight tapes. He said they saw some flaws and would capitalize on them on fight night.

However, Villamor conceded that “Estrada is fast and this will be a hard fight. But if he’s tough, we are tougher.”

The 23 year old Mexican champion has a record of 24-2 with 18 knockouts while the 25 year old Melindo, regarded as a technically efficient boxer sports a record of 29-0 with 12 knockouts.

http://www.boxingscene.com/team-melindo-estrada-tough-we-tougher–67772

By:  Ronnie Nathanielz –

Ricky Vargas, the president of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines or ABAP, was impressed with the performance of World Boxing Organization minimum weight champion Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo in his successful first title defense against Colombia’s No. 6 world-ranked contender Jorlie Estrada during the Pinoy Pride XXI at the Solaire Resort and Casino last Saturday.

Vargas, who watched the ABS-CBN telecast of the fights on Sunday told the Manila Standard he liked the aggressive stance of Sabillo as he “kept chasing his opponent, who was scared and kept running.”

Vargas said the crunching left hook to the ribs that dropped Estrada, who went down grimacing in pain and was counted out by referee Raul Caiz Jr. in the 9th round was “a perfect punch. It was devastating.”

Vargas believes Sabillo has a good future in the pro ranks.

The WBO champion is likely to defend his title in Dubai this October if ALA Promotions is unable to schedule a title defense for WBO light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes in Dubai in September.

ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told us the priority is Nietes.

“He needs to fight. We are trying to move heaven and earth to get a fight in Dubai, but if it can’t be done in September, we’ll have to do it here, possibly in Davao City where the last Pinoy Pride XX was very well received,” he said.

Aldeguer also said he, too, was impressed with the showing of Sabillo, who made a fight out of it against a back-pedaling Estrada. Sabillo cut the ring off well and scored with vicious body shots before eventually knocking out Estrada.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/07/17/sabillo-impresses-boxing-association-chief/

By Ronnie Nathanielsz –

Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo is ready to rip into his opponent, Jorlie Estrada of Colombia, in the Filipino’s first title defense at the plush Solaire Resort Hotel and Casino in the Philippines “Entertainment City” along Manila Bay on July 13 and has indicated he wants to put on a show in the first world title fight.at Solaire.

The fight card on the highly successful “Pinoy Pride” series of ABS-CBN and ALA Promotions will be telecast on Channel 2 on July 14 at 10:15 a.m.

The undefeated Sabillo’s trainer and former world title challenger Edito “Ala” Villamor told BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard that the WBO minimumweight champion who has a record of 21-0 with 11 knockouts  is “in great shape and only three pounds over the weight limit which is no problem” with some two weeks to go before fight night.

Villamor said Sabillo was scheduled to spar for the last time this week on Tuesday (yesterday) Thursday and Saturday against sparring partners who include Philippine champion Jerson Mancio and OPBF champion Arthur Villanueva as well as amateur standout Jesrey Waminal “to improve his speed and skills.”

The undefeated Villanueva (21-0, 11 KO’s) will also see action on “Pinoy Pride XXI” against hard-hitting Mexican Arturo Badillo (21-4, 19 KO’s) in a clash for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific super flyweight title.

Villamor said the 29 year old Sabillo is “a really hard puncher and dropped Luis De La Rosa twice” en route to an 8th round TKO  in their fight for the Interim title last March 9 in Colombia after which Sabillo was elevated to full champion when Moises Fuentes moved up in weight  and will get a crack at WBO light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes in a mandatory title shot after one voluntary defense by Nietes possibly in Dubai in September.

Villamor disclosed that they had been working on “improving Sabillo’s defense and doubled-up  training in this aspect of the champion’s skills.”

He also told us that Pio Solon is handling Sabill;o’s strength and conditioning whie Abet Biagan who trains the Philippine triathlon team was making sure about “proper nutrition and the food intake” of Sabillo.

http://www.boxingscene.com/sabillo-ready-batter-his-foe-first-title-defense–67439

ALTHOUGH he is one of just three current world champions from the Philippines, World Boxing Organization (WBO) mini-flyweight king Merlito Sabillo still believes he has something to prove – that he is a great world champion and not just a one-hit wonder.

“He is very focused and wants to prove that he deserves to be a world champion. It’s a fight that will give him the recognition that he deserves,” ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu yesterday.

The 29-year-old Sabillo, a late bloomer in the sweet science, looks to put on a statement as he trades leathers with WBO No. 6 rated Jorle Estrada of Colombia this Saturday night at the Solaire Resort and Casino in Pasay City.

Sabillo, 22-0 with 11 knockouts, became the WBO mini-flyweight champion after an impressive eighth round technical knockout over Colombian Luis de la Rosa last March 9 in Cerete, Colombia.

“The record could be deceiving and the fact that he is No. 6 in the world proves that he may have something up his sleeve. Everyone knows the Colombians are tough fighters and they want redemption after Sabillo knocked out de la Rosa in Colombia to win the title. It should be an interesting fight,” said Aldeguer.

Estrada is 17-6 with six knockouts and has won four straight fights. He has a win over world-rated Mauricio Fuentes and has fought but lost to the likes of Carlos Buitrago, Walter Tello and Carlos Velarde.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/sports/2013/07/07/sabillo-out-prove-himself-291309

By Ronnie Nathanielsz –

ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer plans to stage a voluntary title defense of World Boxing Organization light flyweight champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes sometime in September in Dubai.

Aldeguer spoke to the Manila Standard following his return from the United Arab Emirates, along with vice president Dennis Canete and ABS-CBN Sports Peter Musngi, who joined them in Dubai for a series of meetings with officials of The Filipino Channel, headed by Maribel Rodriguez and various events specialists.

The Dubai fight card is just one part of the exciting expansion plans of ALA Promotions, in partnership with ABS-CBN, which will also see fight cards  promoted in the United States sometime next year.

Musngi told Manila Standard that “more venues are available in September,” and that was the reason for not pushing the title fight to October when “lots of things are happening.”

With the large Filipino community in Dubai, who have enjoyed the highly successful “Pinoy Pride” series telecast live on The Filipino Channel of  ABS-CBN, Musngi said: “The prospects are great.”

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/07/04/ala-exec-plans-nietes-title-defense-in-dubai/

By Ronnie Nathanielsz –

Jorlie Estrada who challenges WBO minimumweight champion Merlito Sabillo in a breakthrough title fight at the plush Solaire Resort Hotel and Casino in the Entertainment City along Manila Bay on July 13, cannot be underestimated.

Although he has a record of 17 wins, 6 by knockouts with 6 losses, Colombian media has warned that it would be a mistake to underestimate Estrada as an opponent pointing out that he has won his last four fights including back-to-back victories  over Jorge Ballesteros including a 1st round TKO in their first encounter on March 17, 2012.

The 24 year old Colombian’s last loss was to talented Mexican Pedro Guevara who won by a 7th round TKO in a North American Boxing Federation light flyweight title fight on October 22, 2011 when he moved up in weight to face Guevara who gave IBF light flyweight champion Johnreil Casimero a tough battle before losing by a split decision in Mexico last August 4.

In his last fight on June 8 in Colombia, Estrada won by a 3rd round TKO over  Gustavo Cortes, a veteran of 39 fights.

Sabillo made a name for himself in Colombia when he scored a rousing 8th round TKO over highly fancied Luis  “Chino” De La Rosa, also of Colombia who had an impressive record of 21-1 with 12 knockouts.

Colombian media reported “that day the Filipino, almost unknown, showed his great condition and surprised everyone by his speed.

Sabillo, a hard-hitting southpaw is undefeated in 22 fights with 11 wins by knockout.
His trainer, Edito “Ala” Villamor told the Manila Standard that Sabillo has trained hard and is in great shape and is determined to put on an exciting performance as the highly-rated “Pinoy Pride” series of ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN makes its initial venture into the resort hotel and casino complex in the country’s growing entertainment city which aims to give Macau and Singapore a run for their money.

http://www.boxingscene.com/sabillo-not-underestimate-estrada-despite-record–67030

By Ronnie Nathanielsz –

WBO minimum weight champion Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo is ready to strike in his first title defense against Colombian challenger Jorlie Estrada at the Solaire Resort Hotel & Casino along picturesque Manila Bay’s Entertainment City on July 13.

The 29 year old Sabillo whose career blossomed after he moved under ALA Promotions is undefeated and has a record of 21-0 with 11 knockouts while the 24 year old Estrada’s record is 16-6 with 5 knockouts.Estrada has won his last four fights after suffering a 7th round TKO loss to Mexico’s Pedro Guevara who gave IBF light flyweight champion Johnreil Casimero a tough fight before dropping a narrow twelve round split decision last August 4. Estrada is coming off a 3rd round TKO of Gustavo Cortes last June 8 while Sabillo scored a stunning 8th round TKO over highly touted Luis De La Rosa also of Colombia to win the interim title last March 13 and was soon elevated to full champion after Moises Fuentes relinquished his belt and moved up to light flyweight.

Trainer Edito “Ala” Villamor told the Manila Standard that Sabillo has “looked good” in sparring and is eager to put on a show in his first title defense.

Sabillo sparred with undefeated super flyweight Arthur “El Matador” Villanueva (21-0, 11 KO’s)who will face Mexico” hard-hitting Arturo Badillo (21-4, 19 KO’s) on the Solaire fight card presented by ALA Promotions in cooperation with the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN in its immensely successful “Pinoy Pride” series.

Villamor said Sabillo also sparred with Philippine junior flyweight champion Jerson Mancio Jr _17-3-3, 8 KO’s) and Engelbert Moralde (4-1, 3 KO’s) as well as an amateur standout “primarily for speed.”

He said they have been concentrating in recent months on their fighters nutrition and food intake which runs along the suggestions made by Angel “Memo” Heredia in the case of newly crowned IBO junior bantamweight champion Edrin “The Sting” Dapudong who won the title in a rematch against Gideon Buthelezi with a sensational 1st round knockout in South Africa.

Villamor added that Sabillo who had previously won the Philippine straw-weight title with a twelve round unanimous decision in August 2010 and the vacant Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation minimum weight crown also by a unanimous decision over Rodel Tejares was in excellent shape and would have “no problem making the weight.”

http://philboxing.com/news/story-84459.html

By Ronnie Nathanielsz –

WBO minimum weight champion Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo will make the first defense of his title on July 6, possibly at the plush Solaire Resort and Casino in the Entertainment City along Manila Bay.

Sabillo is undefeated with a record of 21-0 with 11 knockouts and will face No. 6 ranked Jorle Estrada of Colombia in a voluntary defense.

The 24 year old Estrada who is five years younger than Sabillo has a record of 16-6 with 5 knockouts.

The hard-hitting Sabillo won the WBO Interim title with a stunning 8th round TKO over heavily favored Luis De La Rosa who was fighting before his hometown fans in Colombia but couldn’t handle the aggressive Filipino.

Sabillo was elevated to full champion after Moises Fuentes, who was struggling to make the 105 pound limit, relinquished the title and moved up to light flyweight where he failed to wrest the title from long-reigning champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes who retained his title in a majority draw.

Fuentes wanted an immediate rematch but ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer said they couldn’t accede to the request because Nietes suffered a nasty cut above the eye in that title defense and it took some time to heal.

Fuentes has been guaranteed a mandatory rematch sometime in November following conversations between Aldeguer and Zanfer Promotions of Mexico who wish to stage the title fight in Mexico.

However, Fuentes is scheduled to have a tune-up fight before then while Nietes will make a voluntary defense of his title in August although no deal has been finalized with his possible opponent as yet.

http://philboxing.com/news/story-83741.html

By:  Eddie Alinea –

Manila(PNA) – Newly-crowned World Boxing Organization mini-flyweight champion Merlito Sabillo, plans to stay in the 105-pound division throne as long as he can.

“I will focus hard in training so I can keep my title,” said Sabillo, who in winning the crown, became one of the only three remaining world boxing champions following successive defeats suffered by his more illustrious compatriots Manny Pacquiao, Brian Viloria and Nonito Donaire Jr.

Sabillo knocked out Colombian Luis dela Rosa in the eighth round in his first overseas fight at the Coliseo Mario de León in Cerete, Colombia last March 9. It was for the interim title, and after Moises Fuentes moved up in weight and vacated the crown, the WBO decided to install the Filipino as the new champion.

Sabillo carried his belt as he graced yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate along with his trainer Michael Domingo and ALA Promotions vice president Dennis Cañete.

Cañete said Sabillo will make his first title defense on June 29 in Bacolod City.

“We are waiting for the WBO approval for his voluntary defense before we choose an opponent. But it will be among the top 10 in the mini-flyweight class,” said Cañete.

Sabillo sent Dela Rosa down in the seventh round of the brutal and exciting contest then finished him off in the 2:52 mark of the next round.

“It was an exciting bout and even WBO president Paco Valcarcel was impressed and said Sabillo can become a great champion,” said the ALA Promotions official.

Sabillo is undefeated in 21 fights with 11 knockouts, two of them coming in the first round. But he has what it takes to last as well because three of his wins came in 12-round decisions.

Sabillo, who turned pro when he was 24, is aware of the fact that the Philippines just lost three world titles following successive losses by Manny Pacquiao, Brian Viloria and Nonito Donaire Jr.

He wants to use this as motivation.

“It’s a little sad to see them lose. But that’s sports. You win some and you lose some,” said Sabillo, now ranked among Donnie Nietes (WBO minimumweight) and Johnriel Casimero (IBF light-flyweight) as the remaining Filipino world champions.

Photo- Merlito Sabillo celebrating with trainer Edito Villamor

http://philboxing.com/news/story-82877.html

By Ronnie Nathanielsz –

WBO light flyweight champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes (31-1-4, 17 KO’s) won’t defend his title in a rematch with Moises Fuentes (16-1-1, 8 KO’s)  just yet.

ALA Promotions boxing patron Tony Aldeguer told BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard that Nietes is still recovering from the two bad cuts he suffered in his successful title defense with Fuentes and cannot even spar as yet making it impossible for him to face Fuentes in July as reported by boxrec.com.

Aldeguer said he wants Nietes to have a tune-up fight before facing Fuentes for the second time even as he emphasized “we are not afraid of Fuentes. The last two rounds in their fight showed us how to beat him handily.”

However, Aldeguer said that Milan Melindo is definitely fighting Juan Francisco Estrada who won the WBO/WBA flyweight title from Brian Viloria via a split decision at the Cotai Arena of the sprawling Venetian Resort Hotel which will once again be the venue for the title fight.

The undefeated Melindo has a record of 29-0 with 12 knockouts while Estrada’s record is 23-2 with 18 knockouts.

Melindo scored a rousing 4th round TKO of tough Tommy Seran of Indonesia on the undercard of Top Rank’s initial thrust into China, dropping the Indonesian  in rounds 1, 2 and 4 and impressing promoter Bob Arum with his performance.

Also scheduled to see action on the July 27 Macau card will be another accomplished ALA boxer, Genesis Servania, the reigning WBC Asia Pacific super bantamweight champion who won the title with a 7th round TKO over Indonesian veteran Angky Angkotta last March 2 at the Waterfront  Hotel and Casino in Cebu City.

Once again headlining the card will be China’s former two-time Olympic  flyweight gold medalist Zou Shiming who made his pro debut last April 6 in a four round but in which he scored a lopsided decision over Mexico’s Eleazar Valenzuela for which he earned a remarkable purse of $300,000.

http://www.boxingscene.com/donnie-nietes-defend-against-fuentes-just—64801

By Ronnie Nathanielsz –

Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista lost his WBO Intercontinental featherweight title in a sometimes ugly brawl with rough and rugged Mexican challenger Jose “Negro” Ramirez before a wildly cheering crowd of fight fans at the University of Southeastern Philippines gym after which respected ALA Promotions patron Tony Aldeguer told the Manila Standard it was time for Bautista to retire.

It was a decision concurred in by his son, ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer and one that was relayed to Bautista who, despite a gallant effort, showed the wear and tear of an entertaining and exciting career that forced the Aldeguers hand.

From the time he was dropped in the opening round by a left-right combination to the chin and suffered a cut from an accidental head-butt, Bautista was unable to find his rhythm or to inflict any serious damage on the Mexican who surprisingly found himself at the end of a 111-114 scorecard by judge Edward Ligas which drew loud boos from the crowd when it was announced by Ted Lerner.

However, judges Danrex Tapdasan and Salven Lagumbay saved the day as well as the reputation and integrity of the Philippines when they correctly scored the fight for Ramirez by an identical 114-111 score which drew cheers from the fans in Davao who, like the rest of the country, abhor hometown decisions.

The action was fast and furious and spiced with quite a few ugly tactics by both fighters and in the din of the crowd international referee Bruce McTavish as well as the fighters didn’t hear the bell signaling the end of round two and continued to throw punches.

After a furious exchange in round three McTavish went to the corner of Bautista and asked him “Are you okay?” to which “Boom Boom’ replied “Yes, I’m okay.”

Ramirez was cautioned for using his head in round five and received a second warning from McTavish in the very next round, prompting Bautista to retaliate with some nasty tactics of his own prompting McTavish who did a tremendous job under trying circumstances to admonish Bautista telling him “Boom Boom keep it clean.”

Bautista hurt Ramirez with a solid right hand in round seven before dropping him with an excellent one-two combination in round eight.

Another head-butt by Ramirez in the tenth round forced the referee to penalize the Mexican a point for repeatedly charging forward with his head with an elbow on the side of Bautista’s head causing a cut which bled profusely before the ring physician took a look at it on the request of McTavish and ruled that Bautista could continue.

The tide had clearly turned in favor of Ramirez in the so-called championship rounds as he slammed Bautista with body shots and occasionally used a clubbing right hand to the side of the head.

Ramirez hurt Bautista in the penultimate round as the Filipino uncharacteristically resorted to holding, shoving and complaining about the tactics of Ramirez who kept boring in to the end to earn a well-deserved victory and continue the painful series of losses of Filipino champions.

It began with Manny Pacquiao’s crushing 6th round knockout by Juan Manuel Marquez last December 8 and the back-to-back weekend losses of WBO/WBA flyweight champion Brian Viloria to another Mexican Juan Carlos Estrada on April 6 at the Venetian Resort Hotel in Macau and WBO,Ring Magazine and WBC Diamond Belt champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire loss to WBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Guillermo Rigondeaux in a lackluster unification title bout before a sell-out crowd at the iconic Radio City Music Hall in New York. last April 13.

The Aldeguer father and son were convinced that it was time for Bautista to hang up his gloves.

Tony Aldeguer who looks after his fighters and doesn’t take money from them said Bautista was well-set. He has two houses, four cars, a few businesses and money in the bank and it was time for him to look after his wife and newborn baby.

Aldeguer said “Boom Boom” had given fight fans lots of excitement during his career and he had nothing to be ashamed of.

http://philboxing.com/news/story-82571.html