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SABAUPAN READY TO SHOCK MEXICO By Dennis U. Eroa PhilBoxing.com Thu, 29 Mar 2012  Al Sabaupan. HE will fight in front of a hostile crowd but International Boxing Federation lightweight titleholder Al "Captain A" Sabaupan is unfazed as he continues his quest for a world title. Fact is, the 24-year-old pride of Touch Gloves Boxing Gym in Agoncillo, Batangas is ready to shock Marvin Quintero and his Mexican followers as they clash on April 21 at the New Mexico City Arena in Mexico City. "I'm ready and I will give it all to beat Quintero. My team has prepared me excellently for this bout and I will not waste this golden opportunity," said Sabaupan, during a break at training at Shape Up Boxing Gym in Baguio City. Saved by the Bell Promotion chief Elmer Anuran who handles Sabaupan's career also clarified that the bout will be held on April 21 not April 14 as previously reported. He said Team Sabaupan will fly to Mexico on April 12. Danny Anuran, vice-president of Saved by the Bell, battle-grizzled mentor Benny dela Pena, assistant coach Boy Donaire will lead the initial batch to Mexico. Elmer Anuran and a big group of respected businessmen from Batangas will also watch the slugfest and give much-needed moral support for Sabaupan. Though he is fighting for the first time outside the Philippines, Sabaupan, a native of Sipocot, Camarines Norte but now an adopted son of Agoncillo, Batangas isn't afraid a bit of Quintero, who has a formidable record of 24-3 with 20 knockouts. "I'll fight anywhere to earn a shot at the world title," said Sabaupan, who is unbeaten in 18 bouts with 13 knockouts. The IBF championship committee had earlier ruled that the winner of the bout will challenge reigning IBF lightweight king Miguel Vazquez middle of the year. The youthful Anuran, who is known for his zest and enthusiasm to pit his talents against tough foes carrying impressive records, said he is confident that his ward will hurdle Quintero and challenge Vazquez. "Quintero will be a very tough customer. Add to this is the fact that he's fighting in Mexico. He had 20 KOs in 27 fights. But let me tell you this. Al's the harder puncher and if he can survive the first six rounds, he has a big chance of shocking Mexico. We believe that the chin of Quintero is suspect," noted Anuran. Anuran said Sabaupan's fighting heart cannot be doubted. "Atop the ring, Sabaupan has no respect against his foe," said Anuran, also a rising political star in Batangas. All three losses of Quintero came from stoppages. Presently, Quintero is ranked number five by the IBF, a rung lower than Sabaupan. The Tijuana native recent TKO lost came at the hands of Daniel Attah in 2010. Trainer De la Pena said Sabaupan will go to Mexico ready for action. De la Pena also handles the training of former champion Drian "Golden Fists" Francisco, who is also expected to have a huge fight middle of the year. "Though there are changes in the fight sked, I think that Sabaupan is raring to do action. He knows that this is his big chance to gain international prominence. I have no doubt. Boss Elmer supported us very well and I cannot ask for more," De la Pena said. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dennis U. Eroa.  |
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