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Philippines, 19 Feb 2026 |
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Can Vincent Astrolabio Defeat “The Jackal” Guillermo Rigondeaux? His Coach Nonoy Neri Says Yes By Carlos Costa PhilBoxing.com Thu, 13 Jan 2022  MP Boxing Promotions fighter “Asero” Vincent Astrolabio has a tough mission when he collides against complicated southpaw veteran "The Jackal" Guillermo Rigondeaux on Saturday, Feb 26, in Dubai. Can Astrolabio pull off the big win? His long-time coach, the experienced Nonoy Neri of Davao’s MP Boxing Gym says yes. The hard-swinging General Santos City native Vincent "Asero" Astrolabio (16-3, 12 KO's) gets the biggest break in his pro boxing career when he battles crafty Cuban 2-time Olympic Gold Medalist, as well as 2-division world champion, Guillermo "The Jackal" Rigondeaux on February 26 at the awesome Dubai's Marina in the United Arab Emirates. Their confirmed 12-rounder clash for the vacant WBC International Bantamweight Belt in "The City of God," Dubai – jointly promoted by Phuc An Nguyen in association with Brico Santig of the Highland Boxing Team – has already been approved by Mauro Betti Vice President of the WBC, as well as chairman of the WBC International Committee. "Astrolabio is much younger, has power punch and a big heart," thinks of his fighter MP Boxing Gym coach Nonoy Neri, the man who together with Freddy Roach and Buboy Fernandez trained Filipino boxing king Manny Pacquiao in the majority of his thrilling, inspiring, historic battles. Does Nonoy Neri’s experience and knowledge help the 24-year-old Vincent "Asero" Astrolabio in his quest for glory in Dubai? Is Astrolabio better off with a trainer like Nonoy Neri? Hands down, most definitely, yes.  Astolabio (L) with Coach Nonoy Neri. Astrolabio could not have a better man in his corner when he climbs the ring to trade blows against such a formidable, possible future-hall-of-famer opponent as the Cuban Jackal, a man who years ago clearly outclassed and out-smarted the brilliant “Filipino Flash” Nonito Donaire, not an easy thing to do; but he did, and we all remember that. But that was nearly 9 years ago. Today, for many fans, Astrolabio's chances seem to depend on how much toughness and destructive power are in his deliveries, if indeed he can get Rigoundeaux clean on his chin or in his mid-section, which is easier said than done... as well as in how abundant is his stamina for the 12-chapters war. Because, arguably, the much fresher and younger Astrolabio could punch as hard, or even harder, than "The Jackal" born in the beautiful, paradisiacal, historic Cuba, the famed Caribbean island, cradle of so many legendary boxers such as Kid Chocolate, Teofilo Stevenson and Kid Gavilan. However, even though so many times suffocatingly boring – such as in his dull split decision loss to Johnriel Casimero last August – Rigondeaux's past in boxing is undeniably glorious. His achievements in the sport of boxing, both as amateur and as a pro, are genuinely great, sure we all need to agree on that. But at 41, "The Jackal" Guillermo Rigondeaux (20-2, 13 KO’s), is far from his prime. Indeed, his best fighting days can be seen in the rear-view mirror, we can all agree on that as well. That truth is indeed a drawback for the former Cuban world champ, decidedly more so in the fast ‘n furious bantamweight division where thunderous speed and endless stamina are needed to perform at an elite level; plus, Rigondeaux indeed did not look particularly great in his last battle against Johnriel Casimero. In that one "fight," Rigondeaux was a total snoozer and a waste of time to watch. It was the FIlipino Casimero the one who did his best to satisfy fans. Still, will "Asero" (which means in Ensligh steel) Vincent Astrolabio's youth, desire for victory, energy and power-punch be enough to defeat this veteran Cuban tactician? We all hope so, praying for Astrolabio's success in Dubai, because a win there would rank the Mindanao fighter high in the WBC 118-pound weight class rating, the division where the king is "The Filipino Flash" Nonito Donaire. Good luck in Dubai Vincent Astrolabio! The author Carlos Costa can be reached via whatsapp +63918453952 and carlos@philboxing.com. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.  |
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