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Philippines, 15 Dec 2025 |
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Gaballo ready for war By Joaquin Henson PhilBoxing.com Thu, 10 Dec 2020  Reymart Gaballo with Cuban trainer Moro Fernandez in Miami. Reymart Gaballo is on a mission to capture the WBA bantamweight crown and his first step is to regain the interim title in a scheduled 12-round bout against Chile’s Jose Velasquez at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut, on Dec. 19. Gaballo, 24, held the interim championship in 2018 but relinquished it. Now, the Polomolok, Cotabato del Sur, slugger wants the belt back. The WBA recognizes Japan’s Naoya Inoue as super champion and Cuba’s Guillermo Rigondeaux as regular titlist in the bantamweight division. Gaballo, the WBA No. 1 contender, will make it crowded at the top if and when he bags the interim diadem. He has a record of 23-0, with 20 KOs, including 12 in the first round. Velasquez, 31, has won his last 20 fights and totes a record of 28-6-2, with 19 KOs. “It’s a great style matchup,” said MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons. “Reymart’s hungry, he’s been in the US training like a maniac since March. I expect a great showing against Velasquez, a very tough opponent who’s never been stopped.” Gaballo hasn’t fought since halting Thailand’s Chaiwat Buatkrathok in Sucat last December but has kept busy working with Cuban trainer Osmiri (Moro) Fernandez in Miami the past nine months. Gaballo’s manager J. C. Manangquil of Sanman Promotions said Velasquez won’t be easy pickings. “We’re not looking past Velasquez,” he said. “We’ll think about (challenging) Rigondeaux after Reymart wins. Reymart’s style is similar to (Nonito) Donaire’s, he’s very athletic with a lot of power. Velasquez is by far his toughest opponent but I think Reymart can beat him.” Velasquez made a lot of noise after halting previously undefeated Nicaraguan Melvin (Melo) Lopez in the ninth round while trailing in the three judges’ scorecards to win the WBO International bantamweight crown in Miami last year. A spoiler, Velasquez has tainted the perfect records of five opponents so far and intends to add Gaballo to the list. What makes Gaballo a serious threat is his devastating power with the left hook and right straight his most lethal weapons. “I’m excited to step into the ring again,” said Gaballo who’s 3 1/2 inches taller at 5-6 than Velasquez with a four-inch advantage in reach. “This is a good opportunity and I’ll make sure to win. I’m going to show (Velasquez) what I can do. I trust my preparation and God will guide me in this fight.” It will be in the undercard of the main event featuring Donaire against Puerto Rico’s Emmanuel Rodriguez for the vacant WBC bantamweight title. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.  |
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