Philippines, 22 Feb 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Rigondeaux, Astrolabio Ready for WBC Int'l Battle in Dubai, U.A.E.


PhilBoxing.com




Former world champ Guillermo "El Chacal" Rigondeaux (20-2, 13 KO's) of Miami by way of Santiago de Cuba and hard-hitting Filipino slugger Vincent "Asero" Astrolabio (16-3, 12 KO's) of General Santos City successfully beat the scale ahead of their 12-rounder rumble for the vacant WBC International Bantamweight Strap tomorrow, Saturday, February 26, in "The City of Gold, "Dubai, U.A.E.

Rigondeaux, 41, and Astrolabio, 24, are ready to headline the exciting Dubai boxing show promoted by People's Fighters set to unfold at The Lawns of the plush 36-hole course Emirates Golf Club.

The aggressive come-forward Pinoy made 117.10 pounds, while the elusive, superbly defensive "Chacal" stood up at 117.80 lbs., both men looking in fantastic physical shape, ready for the 12 rounds of action.... although perhaps not that many rounds would be needed. Soon enough we'll find out.

Interestingly, the two fighters can boast world-class corners.

Filipino Vincent Astrolabio on the scales ready to battle against the skilled Cuban veteran Guillermo Rigondeaux.

The glory-hungry Filipino Astrolabio will have with him none other than Nonoy Neri, a beloved former long-time coach of the awesome Manny Pacquiao, while Rigondeaux will have with him Pedro Diaz, the veteran Cuban coach from Santa Clara who for decades worked with the Cuban Olympic Boxing Team. How about that?

The winner for Rigondeaux vs Astrolabio not only gets the brand-new WBC International Belt, but also a super boost in his ranking in the WBC 118-pound weight-class, stepping a notch close to a possible fight against the reigning king "Filipino Flash" Nonito Donaire.

Ohhhh, "El Chacal" would love that.

Rigondeaux appears relaxed at the scale in Dubai and looks forward to teach the younger Filipino a lesson in the art of boxing.

More than anything else, Rigondeaux would love to soundly beat Doanire once again. He did that 9 years ago at New York's Radio City Music Hall, and after all these years, Rigo just thinks he can do it again. Can he?

Meanwhile, the well-trained, serious, laser-focused Pinoy Astrolabio is in Dubai to shock and win. While he respects Ringondeaux stellar accomplishments in boxing, he wants to rock him hard.

That's because Astrolabio's sole purpose to fight his way into creating his own mark in the sport that he loves, same as his idol, the legendary "The Pacman" did.

All the above sounds fine and dandy, but at the end who will get the W?

Tickets for the exciting show can be purchased here:

www.800tickets.com/dubai/sports/1621-peoples-fighters

Doors at The Lawn, Emirates Golf Club, open 6 PM (Dubai Time).

Good luck Vincent Astrolabio!

The author senior boxing columnist Carlos Costa can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com and whatsapp +639184538152.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • 2026 USA Boxing Elite High Performance Set to Compete at Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria
    , Sun, 22 Feb 2026
  • SMEP, SAEP round 6 standoff in PTC WED NEMO 4th D’ Engineers Chess Cup
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 22 Feb 2026
  • Late Valentine’s gift for Lover Boy
    By Joaquin Henson, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • “Prince” Albert Pagara Heads to Perth, Australia, for WBC Australasia Title Fight
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • BARRIOS vs GARCIA (FIGHT ANALYSIS)
    By Ralph Rimpell, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • FLOYD MAYWEATHER UNRETIRES
    , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • WBC Introduces new award "WBC Main Event" world championship Chain & Pendant
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • WOOD-WARRINGTON II OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED FOR SOLD-OUT REMATCH IN NOTTINGHAM
    , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • "Rompete la Madre" documentary is now in the Mexican theaters
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • A Massive Weekend Ahead for Renowned Trainer Bob Santos
    , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • Barrios vs Garcia: Where Art Thou Ryan Garcia?
    By Chris Carlson, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Pacman bout details revealed
    By Joaquin Henson, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • IIEE to defend Billiard crown in PTC World 2026, World Champ Magpantay is PSA Awardee
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Wood-Warrington II Press Conference Quotes: Everything that Was Said Ahead of Saturday's Sold-Out Rematch in Nottingham
    , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announces Opponents for Rising Stars Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. and Curmel Moton on Feb. 28 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York
    , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Rising Star Promotions Returns to Prudential Center April 10 LIVE ON PROBOX TV
    , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Sante Barley Trilogy Leg 1 on March 29 in Azuela
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Team Rapid chess tourney goes to Pasay City on March 8 By Marlon Bernardino
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • 3rd Horse Show & competition scheduled on February 21-22
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • Robinsons Bacolod Chess Festival set
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Alex Bray Set for WBA Continental Latin American Title Clash February 20 in Orlando
    , Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • Ryan ‘The Bruiser’ Rozicki Calls out Jai Opetaia
    , Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • BREAKING NEWS: DAZN AND MATCHROOM BOXING SIGN NEW FIVE-YEAR DEAL
    , Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • 75 climbers start trekking to Mt. Apo today
    , Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • 4 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Erik Morales Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
    , Thu, 19 Feb 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.