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