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Philippines, 12 Jun 2026 |
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Not end of the road for Captain A By Dennis U. Eroa PhilBoxing.com Mon, 23 Apr 2012 EXPECT Filipino southpaw Al "Captain A" Sabaupan to bounce back in style. This is the belief of Saved by the Bell Promotion president and Sabaupan business manager Elmer Anuran. Despite losing by ninth round TKO to foxy Mexican fighter Marvin Quintero in their IBF lightweight title eliminator April 21, the 5-foot-6 Bicolano-pride carried with him the admiration of Mexico ring officials and spectators. "I am proud of Al. He didn't beat Quintero but gained the respect and admiration of ring fans due to his fighting heart. Our boxer fought very well and the result could have different if the bout was held in Manila. Al's not finished," said Anuran, who was with the boxer in Morelia, Mexico. True to his promise, Sabaupan didn't back down against the favored Quintero, who improved his ring record to 25-3, 21 KOs. Sabaupan kissed the floor right in the first round but the boxer from Touch Gloves Boxing Gym gamely stood up and engaged the Mexican to a slugfest which earned thunderous applause from the jampacked crowd. "Best fight of the night. Al was on attack mode after getting down in the first," said Anuran. Anuran, founder of the Ala-Eh (Association of Local Athletics Entreperneurs and Hobbyists, said Sabaupan will rest for a while before plunging into training again. "I may send him to the United States to train. I remain confident that he has a bright future ahead. I know he will come back strong after this experience." Sabaupan of Sipocot in Camarines Norte, absorbed his first setback in 19 games. He is now 18-1-1, 13KOs. Referee Robert Bryd stopped the fight in the ninth round when Quintero pummeled the Filipino fighter. Though Sabaupan could continue, Anuran said that Bryd decision was correct. "Al came up short. He hit Quintero with power punches but those weren't enough to stop the Mexican, who flashed staying power. The Mexican fought cleverly despite Al's determined assault." As a proof that Sabaupan earned the respect of the crowd, Anuran noted that a judge described Sabaupan as one hell of a fighter. Peter Chanliong of Solar Sports also supported Sabaupan. Juan Carlos of Zanfer Promotions told Chanliong that Sabaupan must come and fight anew in Mexico because fans loved him. Team Sabaupan headed by Anuran traveled to Mexico knowing the huge task ahead. Though Sabaupan, whose resemblance to ring icon Manny Pacquiao, makes him a crowd-favorite, didn't succeed in besting Quintero to earn a crack at Miguel Vazquez (30-3) diadem, the son of a farmer has lot to offer to ring fans. His quest to join the illustrious list of Pinoy world champions including his idol Pacquiao remains strong as ever. "I will use this loss as stepping stone to ring glory," Sabaupan stressed. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dennis U. Eroa.  |
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