PARA?AQUE CITY — Even though Merlito Sabillo is the World Boxing Organization (WBO) mini-flyweight champion, it seems he hasn?t been given the recognition that he deserves. Only a few have seen him fight or have even heard of him. But tonight, the 29-year-old is out to prove that he is a real star when he grabs the limelight and defends his coveted crown against Colombian challenger Jorle Estrada at the Grand Ballroom of the luxurious Solaire Resort and Casino.
?Merlito, where he is at right now, is in a great position. He came here with a big win in Colombia. This is his breakout fight,? ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer said after yesterday?s weigh-in.
Sabillo, a late bloomer in boxing, captured the vacant WBO strap with an impressive eighth round stoppage over Colombian Luis de la Rosa in Cerete, Colombia.
With Manny Pacquiao on the verge of retirement in a couple of years and the fall of Nonito Donaire Jr. and Brian Viloria, the Philippines is in dire need of a star that will once again lift the country to boxing prominence and Sabillo could step up to the plate.
?I?m so excited. I?m so happy to have finally been given this opportunity (to defend my crown here in the Philippines). I?m a little tense but I?ll shake it off in the ring,? said Sabillo, who will be defending his crown for the first time.
The 24-year-old Estrada, 17-6 with six knockouts, vowed to knock Sabillo out within seven rounds but the Filipino slugger is unfazed by the threat and is even willing to engage in a brawl.
?There will be a round that I?ll slug it out with him and test who has the tougher chin,? said Sabillo, 22-0 with 11 knockouts.
Undefeated Arthur Villanueva (22-0, 12 KOs) is looking to school Mexican banger Arturo Badillo in the art of the sweet science in the main supporting bout.
?I?m confident even if this is my first time against a Mexican. He usually starts strong and knocks out his opponents in the early rounds. I will counter punch him and if it reaches the later rounds then it will be to my advantage. I?ll observe him first then pressure him in the later rounds but I won?t let my guard down,? said Villanueva, who is gunning for the vacant WBO Asia-Pacific super flyweight title and a spot in the 115-pound world rankings.
The 24-year-old Villanueva put on a boxing clinic against Marco Demecillo last April.
AJ ?Bazooka? Banal (28-2-1, 20 KOs) makes his return to the ring following a long layoff against Mexican Abraham Gomez (18-7-1, 9 KOs) in a 10-round bout.
?I can still remember my loss but I believe I still have it. I?m relaxed and don?t feel any pressure,? said a confident Banal.
The 24-year-old two-time world title challenger last fought in October for the vacant WBO bantamweight title. He succumbed to ninth-round technical knockout in the hands of Pungluang Sor Singyu.
Three young up-and-comers that are projected to be Filipino stars are also seeing action in the undercard.
Unbeaten 19-year-old Albert Pagara (16-0, 11 KOs) faces Tahi khunkhiri Wor Wisaruth (9-4-1, 5 KOs); hard-hitter Jessel Magsayo (1-0, 1 KO) takes on Jam Jam Ungon (1-3); and amateur standout Vic Saludar makes his pro debut against Diover Mangaya-ay (0-2-1).
