| |
|
MERLIN, QIU MAKE WEIGHT FOR WBC ASIAN TITLE IN HUNAN, CHINA
By Carlos Costa PhilBoxing.com Fri, 09 Aug 2013

Filipino Jilo Merlin scaled-in at 121,7 lbs (55,200 kgs), while his tough Chinese opponent Qiu Xiaojun tipped the scales at 121.9 (55,300 kgs) ahead of their clash for the vacant WBC Asian super bantamweight belt Friday (Aug 9) in the City of Hengyang in Hunan Province, China.
The clash is a golden chance for the taller, more experienced Jilo Merlin to capture an international belt as the aggressive Qiu - who has been outpointed twice by Pinoy Jonathan Baat - tends to get confused when skillfully boxed from the outside.
Since the lanky Merlin lacks punching power (only 2 KO's in 31 fights), his focus should aim at outsmarting Qiu, 23, setting him up with left jab, stinging him with straight and overhead rights from a safe distance, always circling to the left of Qiu to avoid the power right from the Chinese and avoid being trapped in the corners or against the ropes.
Merlin's mission should be scoring the more telling blows throughout the 12 rounds to achieve the win, thought it might be not at easy feat as the dangerous Chinese comes forward relentlessly.
The 25 year-old Merlin (13-16-2, 2 KOs) of Agusan del Sur is managed by Highland Boxing of Filipino matchmaker Brico Santig, winner of last year's WBC Asian Promoter of the year Award; while Qiu Xiaojun (7-2, 3 KOs) from Suzhou, China, is handled by the very active Chinese promoters Liu Gang and Wu Shiniu.
The action is being supervised WBC Asian Boxing Council Secretary General Patrick Cusick of Australia.
The Qiu-Merlin battle for the vacant WBC Asian Super bantamweight is a production of the Chinese boxing outfit Zovi Boxing Promotions.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Chezka Centeno ready for world 10-ball title defense By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 27 Jun 2026Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis: Breakout Moment in Brooklyn By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 27 Jun 2026GAB Must Look Into Exploitation of Rated Filipino Fighters in Japan By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Sat, 27 Jun 2026TITLE FIGHT ON: Zayas and "Boots" Ennis Hit the Scales for Brooklyn Super-Welterweight Showdown By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 27 Jun 2026USC's Galen Center confirmed as Martinez-Plantic, Lopez-Carrillo venue August 29, live on ProBoxTV , Sat, 27 Jun 2026July 4: Albert Bell Steps In to Challenge Abdullah Mason in All-Ohio WBO Lightweight World Title Showdown at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center LIVE on TNT and DAZN , Fri, 26 Jun 2026Zamboanga relinquishes her ONE Women’s title By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 26 Jun 2026Top-ranked Charly Suarez facing Manuel Avila, plus two more fights added to July 18 ProBoxTV event , Fri, 26 Jun 2026Yanon fights Kaji in Tokyo on July 4 By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 26 Jun 2026Preparations underway for 2026 IBA men’s divisional continental championships , Fri, 26 Jun 2026Highland Boxing Promotions Presents "Warrior Showdown" in Bangkok on June 27 By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026Usyk reportedly considering retirement but could face Kabayel before the year ends By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026Luke Littler and Ben Whittaker join forces as Matchroom Sport takes over New York City , Thu, 25 Jun 2026IOC Announces $10,000 'Fit for the Future' Grant for All Qualifying Olympians, Including Boxers By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026Boxers did it first: IBA President welcomes IOC’s decision on allocating funds among athletes , Thu, 25 Jun 2026PH national now ready for Asia-Oceania Sambo By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026UFC TITLE CHALLENGER IAN MACHADO GARRY JOINS MATCHROOM TALENT AGENCY AS EDDIE HEARN LAUDS 'SUPERSTAR' SIGNING , Thu, 25 Jun 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Fathers in the boxing world By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan arrive for Asia & Oceania Sambo Tournament By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026Mexican Hall of Fame Legend Carlos Zarate undergoes surgery in Mexico By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026IM Arca to see action in 28th Asian Youth Chess Championships 2026 in Shenzhen,China By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026Lenar Perez to Face Former Two-Time World Title Challenger Thabiso Mchunu, with Fendero-Fondjo as Co-Feature on September 3 in Montreal! , Wed, 24 Jun 2026Gustavo Trujillo'S Remarkable Journey Continues as Reigning Bkb Heavyweight Champion Climbs the Pro Boxing Ranks , Wed, 24 Jun 2026AMER ABDALLAH APPOINTED ADVISOR TO THE KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN BOXING FEDERATION , Wed, 24 Jun 2026Youth Sports Sambo on June 25 By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026 |

|
|
|
|
|