The ‘Tiger’ is back.
After two consecutive title-fight losses in Japan last year, former World Boxing Organization minimum weight champion Merlito ‘Tiger’ Sabillo (26-4-1 with 13 KOs) has finally returned to redeem himself and prove to his fans that he’s still capable for another world title fight.
The 33-year-old Toboso-born champion, who now fights under Tiger Team in Bacolod, came-out with a dominating performance over the weekend stopping the Indonesian veteran, 30-year-old Jack ‘Destroyer’ Amisa, in 2:58 tick of the third round to claim the Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) light flyweight title during the Monju-United-Naris International Boxing Promotion’s “Grudge Rematch-The Return Bout” at the Gaisano City Mall Bacolod.
Sabillo launched numerous combos on Amisa forcing the Indonesian fighter to the corner where he received more solid punches in the body and finally yielded on his knees – dropping his mouthpiece into the canvas.
“Firstly, I’m very happy to win another belt and I thanked God for this opportunity,” said Sabillo, who last have a title belt around his waist prior his loss to Mexican Francisco Rodriguez in March 2014. “I would also like to thank Sir Monju Guanzon, Sir Naris Singwancha and Sir Brico Santig for their support in my quest as well as to family and supporters who have been there throughout my career,” he stressed.
Despite those setbacks in his career, Sabillo said that God and his desire to return in the world stage is his motivation to keep on fighting. “I have to prove to myself that I can still fight for another world title. And, with Coach Sonny Villagonzalo in my team, I’m optimistic that I can achieve it,” Sabillo said. Villagonzalo is Sabillo’s mentor when he started his boxing career.
For ABF president Singwancha from Thailand, who has aggressively promoting the boxing around Asian, said that he will be connecting with the International Boxing Federation for the world title fights.
“For Sabillo, I will be talking with the promoter for his title defense. And, maybe for the world title,” the ABF president said.
Guanzon, on his part, thanked everyone for the continuing support to the development of boxing in Bacolod and the country.
In the undercard, Jay-R Raquenel knocked Elmer Liboon thrice in the opening round as referee Rex Ferrer stopped contest while the Alexander Almacen-Ernesto Alera fight ended on majority draw as 3 judges scored the bout: 58-56, 57-57 and 57-57.
Paolo Sy, on the other hand, halts Tomas Rebuset in 2:15 of the second round with a solid right on the body.
This fight is bankrolled by the City Government of Bacolod under Mayor Evelio Leonardia and supervised by the Games and Amusement Board.