PRESIDENTE ENRIQUE PEÑA NIETO FELICITA AL CAMPEÓN MUNDIAL PAJA DE LA OMB FRANCISCO ‘CHIHUAS’ RODRÍGUEZ

“El boxeador Francisco Rodríguez Tamayo “El Chihuas” es orgullo de Monterrey y México”.

Enrique Peña Nieto, Presidente de México.

Por:  Isaac Guerra –

El Presidente de México Enrique Peña Nieto felicitó personalmente al primer campeón mundial regiomontano, Francisco ‘Chihuas’ Rodríguez que el pasado 22 de marzo se coronó monarca Paja de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB) en la Arena Monterrey ante Merlito Sabillo al que le arrebató el invicto por nocaut en el décimo asalto, en cartelera organizada por la empresa Zanfer de Fernando Beltrán.

Contrario a otros monarcas mundiales mexicanos, al ‘Chihuas’ lo felicitó personalmente el primer mandatario nacional en su tierra, Monterrey, Nuevo León en una visita que tuvo de trabajo, destacando el triunfo del peleador para los mexicanos.

El peleador acudió a la cita a donde fue invitado por personal del ejecutivo estatal y se entrevistó con el Gobernador de Nuevo León Rodrigo Medina y con el Presidente Enrique Peña Nieto, yendo acompañado de su entrenador y manager José Antonio Hernández.

‘El Chihuas’, monarca mundial Paja de la OMB, organismo que preside Francisco Valcárcel, agradeció el gesto y le regaló un par de guantes autografiados al Presidente.

Acude a la Arena El Jefe – Ya por la noche el campeón mundial acudió como frecuentemente lo hace a la Arena El Jefe como aficionado que es el boxeo, ya estando en el lugar subió al ring a invitación del anunciador Ramiro Ramírez, quien también hizo subir al campeón mundial Plata CMB, Sergio ‘Dandy’ Puente y el campeón nacional Mosca Fecombox, Eduardo ‘Lalillo’ Hernández que el próximo 30 de abril se presenta en la estelar de la función de Promociones El Jefe en este mismo escenario.

http://boxaldia.com/2014/04/10/presidente-enrique-pena-nieto-felicita-al-campeon-mundial-paja-de-la-omb-francisco-chihuas-rodriguez/

Date:   Saturday, March 22, 2014

WBO  Mini-Flyweight Championship Title Bout

Location:   Arena Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico

Promoter:   Promociones Zanfer

Referee:  Eddie Claudio

Judges:  Adalaide Byrd, Glenn Feldman, Victor Salomon

Supervisor: Luis Perez

Results:  Francisco Rodriguez, Jr. TKO’ed the champion Merlito Sabillo in the tenth round on Mar. 22, 2014 in Monterrey, Mexico.

By Rich Mazon –

Reigning WBO minimumweight (105 lbs.) champion Merlito Sabillo (23-0-1, 12 KOs) of the Philippines will be defending his world title belt in enemy territory this Saturday evening in Mexico (Sunday morning in the Philippines).

Sabillo, of Negros Occidental, is scheduled to protect his diadem in Monterey, Mexico, hometown of his challenger Francisco Rodriguez Jr. in his third defense of his title.

Team Sabillo, who arrived in Monterey, Mexico from San Diego, California last Tuesday, expressed that despite the apprehension of fighting in his challenger’s hometown, he is confident that his recent training and preparation for this fight will prevail above the ring.

“Siyempre kahit sino naman po ay maalangan kasi nasa teritoryo tayo ng kalaban, pero wala tayong magagawa kasi promotion nila eh. Ang sa akin ay Diyos na lang ang nakakaalam at gagawin ko ang best ko,“ Sabillo told this writer in an interview before leaving for Mexico.

(Of course, anyone will be uncomfortable because we are in enemy territory but we can’t do anything because it is their promotions. For me, only God knows what will happen and that I will do my best.)

But his coach, Edito Villamor, head trainer of the ALA stable, has confidence that Sabillo will fare well against Rodriguez Jr. despite the favorable venue and the hometown crowd for their Mexican counterpart.

“Hindi naman kami alangan (sa paglaban sa Mexico). Sanay naman si Merlito. Noong kinuha niya yung belt ng world title, doon yun sa Colombia. Dito (US) kami nag training camp at magaling naman ang training namin dito kaya wala namang problema sa kanya,” Villamor said.

(We are not uncomfortable (of fighting in Mexico). Merlito is accustomed to fighting elsewhere. When he won the belt for the world title, it was in Colombia. We spent our training camp here (US) and our training is great here and I think there won’t be any problems for him.)

Sabillo and some of his fellow ALA stable mates trained in the States for most part of this camp, under the tutelage of trainers, Edito Villamor and Michael Domingo. They spent time in various boxing gyms in California, sparring against fighters from those gyms. Both boxer and trainer are upbeat that their time spent in training in the US will help them against Rodriguez Jr. who is ranked number 9 by the WBO.

“Malaking tulong, nakapag-training kami ng conditioning training dito under Nick Curson. Maganda naman pinagawa niya, yung mga plyometrics, lahat. Iba talaga, iba ang training dito.” said Villamor.

(It’s a big help, we underwent condition training under Nick Curson. He made them do plyometrics and other stuff. Training here is really different.)

Sabillo admitted that he noticed an improvement on his conditioning after undergoing the various strength and conditioning exercises and that also he expects no difficulty in meeting the 105 pound limit for the fight.

The 30 year-old champion is only three pounds above the weight limit last Sunday, a full week ahead of his fight.

Sabillo, who is not fond of trash-talking, made no guarantees but promised to give his best when he puts his title in the line against Rodriguez Jr.

“Hindi lang ako magsabi ng kung ano sir, basta gagawin ko lahat ng best ko para maipanalo at madepensahan ang aking title belt.”

(I don’t want to say anything sir, except that I will give my very best to win and to defend this title.)

http://philboxing.com/news/story-93083.html

By Ronnie Nathanielsz –

WBO minimumweight champion Merlito “Tiger”Sabillo knows he won’t have an easy title defense against Mexico’s Francisco Rodriguez Jr in Monterrey, Mexico on Saturday in a fight to be telecast by ABS-CBN Sports and Action over the revamped Studio 23.

ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told the Manila Standard that Sabillo watched tapes of Rodriguez’ fights “a number of times” and concedes “it won’t be an easy fight because Rodriguez can box, he is technical fighter who is smart and  can punch” as shown in his record of 9 knockouts in 13 wins with just two defeats.

Aldeguer said that he had spoken to trainer Edito “Ala” Villamor who will be in the corner of Sabillo and that he was informed “training has been perfect and it was the best training camp they ever had.”

Villamor told us that they have been concentrating on “the battle plan after watching tapes and doing some instructional punch-mitts.” He also went through the regular routine of skipping rope, shadow boxing., working om the speed ball and light bagging.”

In his strength and conditioning regimen Sabillo swam in the pool, some plyometrics, sprints, balancing and some exercises on his body to relax his muscles.”

He said they worked on the conditioning of the undefeated southpaw with strength and conditioning coach Nick Carson and that Sabillo who possesses a vicious left hook was in great shape.

Aldeguer said Sabillo, the 30 year old former street fighter from Bacolod City who is undefeated with a record of 23-0-1 with 12 knockouts “wants to make a statement and while it won’t be an easy fight Sabillo is ready to go.”

The ALA Promotions outfit didn’t take any chances and Aldeguer told us “ that’s why Merlito flew to the US to train abroad for this fight” both at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles and in the Daniel Ponce De Leon gym .

He said Sabillo has been “tapering down in San Diego and getting ready for the fight.” He will be joined by ALA Promotions vice president Dennis Canete who left for the US on Saturday night and will join the team to Mexico.

Knowing how dangerous a challenger Rodriguez is, Aldeguer said thay have “two options and in case Sabillo loses there will be a rematch.”

He said “we have everything prepared and if he does well it will be good for his career.”

Sabillo is coming off a close split draw against undefeated Carlos Buitrago of Nicaragua at the Araneta Coliseum last November 30 after scoring a one-punch, 9th round  knockout with a thunderous left hook to the ribs against Colombia’s Jorlie Estrada.

The 20 year old Rodriguez won a 5th round technical decision over Ernesto Guerrero who suffered an apparent rib injury last January 18 after going down by a 7th round TKO to Roman Gonzalez, the undefeated WBA light flyweight champion from Nicaragua  on September 21 last year.

Rodriguez also had two big wins prior to the loss to Gonzales, scoring a 3rd round TKO over Manuel Chango” Vargas on January 26, 2013 and a 5th round TKO over Victor Ruiz on July 13.

 http://www.boxingscene.com/sabillo-expects-tough-title-defense-against-rodriguez–75723

Por:  Nectalí Mora Zeledón –

Carlos “Chocorroncito” Buitrago aseguró que sus manejadores ya tienen planificada la revancha ante el filipino Merlito Sabillo, campeón de las 105 libras de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB). El sábado pasado, los jueces vieron empatado el combate, en el cual el púgil pinolero busca arrebatarle el título.

“No era la decisión que esperaba. Creo que gané, aunque fuera por decisión dividida. Saqué la cara por Latinoamérica. Creo que hice una buena presentación, para muestra un botón. No es fácil empatar en Filipinas”, señaló Buitrago, tras arriba ayer al país de Manila, Filipinas.

El peleador nacional sostuvo que sus apoderados ya le dijeron que tendrá otra oportunidad de arrebatarle el cetro al filipino el próximo año. “Hablé con Silvio Conrado (apoderado) y me dijo que ya habló para hacer la pelea de revancha en febrero o marzo en México”, reveló Buitrago.

El peleador nacional reconoció que la guardia zurda de su oponente le incomodó para desarrollar su pelea. “Por el empate que me dieron no voy a poner de pretexto esto, pero no tuve muchos sparring zurdos, sin embargo gracias a Dios pudimos hacer algo bueno”, apuntó el boxeador.

Buitrago aseguró que en la pelea de revancha será más fuerte. “Vamos a mejorar las condiciones físicas y trabajar con más sparrings de guardia zurda. Creo que un poco más de preparación y de empuje el filipino nos hubiera aguantado el tren de ataque”, sostuvo.

El balance de Buitrago se mantiene en 27 victorias, 16 nocauts, cero derrotas y un empate.

ABANDONO

Carlos Buitrago, dijo que no pudo rematar al filipino Merlito Sabillo porque no tuvo las condiciones necesarias para terminar su plan de trabajo en Filipinas.

“El viaje fue súper cansado. En 10 días no conocí un gimnasio, ni tampoco una báscula”, apuntó Buitrago. If you still do not know where to place your bet on boxing, then we can offer you a reliable betfair bookmaker. With betfair sign in you get a nice welcome bonus!

“No lo pongo de pretexto, pero fueron detalles que se los hubiéramos completado hubiera sido otra cosa”, aseguró.

http://www.notifight.com/artman2/publish/Reporte_7/Buitrago_quiere_revancha_con_Sabillo.php

Date:  Saturday, November 30, 2013

Title:  WBO Mini-Flyweight

Location: Araneta Coliseum, Barangay Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Promoter:  ALA Promotions/Michael Aldeguer

Supervisor:  Leon Panoncillo, Jr.

Referee:  Jack Reiss

Judges:  Levi Martinez (113-115); Joerg Milke (115-113); and Takeshi Shimakawa (114-114)

Result:  Was a split decision, Sabillo retained his title.  It was a competitive match.

By Ronnie Nathanielsz –

Both WBO light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes and minimumweight king Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo as well as challengers Sammy “Guty” Gutierrez of Mexico and unbeaten 21 year old Carlos Buitrago of Nicaragua looked ripped and ready for their epic battles at the faned Araneta Coliseum tonight.

In a possible record-setting feat all 18 fighters on the “Pinoy Pride XXIII” card of ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN tipped the scales at the maximum weight limit which in itself demonstrated how disciplined the fighters are and how ready they are for action in the biggest fight card at the Big Dome in years.

ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer assured BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard that the fighters are here “not just to fight but to win and thats what boxing is all about. The condition of the fighters says it all.”

Aldeguer said “many people didn’t realize what we went through emotionally with the super typhoon and the massive earthquake. This is what its all about. We rise again. As promoters we feel we have an obligation to the fighters and hopefully this fight card
will start it all. With this event boxing is back in the Philippines  and hopefully it will make a statement that the world will realize we are here to stay and we’ll rise again” following the spectacular comeback victories of Manny Pacquiao and Nonito “The Filipino
Flash” Donaire.

Nietes who has been recognized as one of the top 100 fighters in the world today will be making his first appearance in the main event at the famed Araneta Coliseum and will be up against the rugged Mexican Sammy “Guty”Gutierrez who has faced world champions in the past and has a 5th round TKO over Roilo Golez and a 7th round TKO over Renan Trongco and is determined to make another Filipino his victim.

Aldeguer told the Manila Standard that Nietes “wantsd to avenge the defeats of his countrymen and Donnie wants to prove a lot. He’s been a champion f or six years but he still doesn’t get the recognition that Manny Pacquiao, Nonito Donaire and Brian Viloria get. Right now is the time to show what he can do. He knows how to win but he hasd to bring that excitement back.”

Aldeguer told the Manila Standard that Sabillo is an “exciting fighter that people want to see after they heard about him and now its a defining moment in his career and if he wins it will raise him to a new level and the start of a whole new career.”

The ALA Promotions president said Sabillo is “so focused, nothing bothers him at all. We feel that he’s a special fighter, he’s an exciting fighter and can be a big star in the Philippines.”

Aldeguer said the Sabillo-Buitrago showdown “is a fight the people want to see. Two undefeated champions going after each other. What more can you ask for?”

Buitrago is the Interim champion and said he is determined to take the title back to Nicaragua buoyed by the fact that there will be a live coverage beamed to his hometown but Sabillo promised “that will never happen.”

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=72176

WBO president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel, announced today the referees and judges who will work this Saturday, November 30, in the world title defenses of champions Sergey Kovalev, Merlito Sabillo and Donnie Nietes, to be held in Canada and Philippines, respectively.

At the Colisee de Quebec in Quebec City, Canada, the WBO Light Heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev (22-0-1, 20 KOs) will defend his belt for the first time when he faces de #15 ranked Ismayl Sillakh (21-1, 17 KOs), from Ukraine. For this bout the referee will be Michael Griffin, from Canada. The judges for the Kovalev-Sillakh bout will be the Canadians Pasquale Procopio, Jean Gauthier and Benoit Roussel. The WBO supervisor for this fight will be John Duggan.

While, the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Manila, Philippines will host two world title fights. First, the WBO minimumweight champion Merlito Sabillo (23-0, 12 KOs) will defend his 105 pounds belt against the #1 ranked Carlos “Chocorroncito” Buitrago (27-0, 16 KOs), from Nicaragua. The referee for this bout will be Jack Reiss, from United States. The judges for the Sabillo-Buitrago bout are Takeshi Shimakawa, from Japan, Levi Martínez, from United States, and Joerg Milke, From Germany. The WBO supervisor for this bout will be Leon Panoncillo.

Also in this card, the WBO junior flyweight titlist Donnie Nietes (31-1, 17 KOs) will make his third defense against the #14 ranked Sammy Gutierrez (33-9-2, 23 KOs). For this bout the referee will be Celestino Ruiz, from United States. The judges for the fight between Nietes and Gutierrez will be Danrex Tapdasan, from Philipinnes, and Jack Reiss and Levi Martínez, both from United States. The WBO supervisor for this bout will be Leon Panoncillo.

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/wbo-officials-named-for-canada-and-philippines-231999

Acompañado de los entrenadores Mauricio Buitrago y Osmiri “El Moro” Fernández , Carlos “Chocorroncito” Buitrago ya se encuentra en Filipinas, para el combate que sostendrá este sábado contra el filipino Merlito Sabillo, en un exigente duelo entre campeones interino y regular, de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB).

Buitrago ganó el título interino ante el mexicano Julián Yedras, en julio pasado, y ahora se alista para enfrentarse a un duro rival, de buen boxeo, como es Sabillo.

Este duelo será el estelar de una velada en la que el filipino Donnie Nietes expondrá su corona minimosca OMB ante el mexicano Sammy Gutiérrez.

http://www.notifight.com/artman2/publish/Reporte_7/Chocorroncito_Buitrago_est_en_Filipinas.php

Por Pablo Fletes –

El managüense Carlos “Chocorroncito” Buitrago ya firmó la pelea unificatoria contra el filipino Merlito Sabillo, que está programada para el 30 de noviembre en Metro Manila, Filipinas.

Buitrago es el campeón mínimo interino de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB), Sabillo ostenta el título regular del mismo organismo.

El nica tiene un palmarés de 27-0, con 16 nocauts, mientras que el filipino aparece con 23-0, con 12 nocauts.

Para Buitrago, no será una pelea nada fácil, porque además de pelear en casa, el filipino Sabillo es un peleador aguerrido, que ha noqueado a sus dos oponentes en peleas de título mundial.

http://www.notifight.com/artman2/publish/Reporte_7/Buitrago_firma_por_su_unificaci_n.php

Por Pablo Fletes –

El campeón nicaragüense, Carlos “Chocorroncito” Buitrago, enfrentara al campeón filipino, Merlito Sabillo, el próximo 30 de noviembre, en el legendario Coliseo Araneta de Manila, Filipinas, y no en Emiratos Árabes Unidos, como había sido anunciado en un principio. La  pelea que sería televisada por ABS-CBN.

El Coliseo Araneta fue el escenario del “Thrilla in Manila”, en donde Muhammad Ali enfrentó, por tercera vez, a Joe Frazier, en 1975.

Buitrago, de la cuadra del Dream Team del promotor cubano Carlos Rodriguez, es el campeón mínimo interino de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB), Sabillo es el campeón regular mínimo de la OMB, y por decisión de la OMB, ambos deben enfrentarse para dejar a un único campeón.

El Sabillo-Buitrago es un duelo muy esperado por la fanaticada, ya que no solo se consolida un solo campeón del peso mínimo OMB, si no que será un enfrentamiento de dos de los mejores exponentes de las divisiones chicas, quienes arriesgaran sus invictos, Sabillo (23-0, 12 KOs) y Carlos Buitrago (27-0, 16 KOs), y poseen estilos depurados y agresivos.

A pesar que diferentes medios, incluyendo BoxRec y RingTV, anuncian que la pelea se había trasladado a Filipinas, en Nicaragua, el manejador de Buitrago, Silvio Conrado Jr., expresó que aún no ha recibido el contrato de pelea, para oficializar el cambio de sede. “Los filipinos me dijeron que iban a enviarme la propuesta, pero aún no ha llegado y la esperamos en cualquier momento”, dijo Conrado Jr.

En la misma función, se espera la reaparición del campeón mundial minimosca de la OMB, Donnie Nietes (31-1-4, 17 KOs), ante un retador por anunciar. Nietes, quien estaría realizando su tercera defensa titular, no ve acción desde el pasado mes de marzo, cuando empato con el mexicano Moises Fuentes, en una pelea en donde sufrió sendos cortes, que lo mantuvieron en la banca. If you want to feel the thrill of winning massive jackpots, weekly bonuses and promotions from a selection of online pokie games, video poker, blackjack, roulette and other games, then you may find an australian licensed online casinos . Legal casinos are available 24 hours a day with hundreds of games to choose from.

Además, se espera el regreso del ex retador mundial, Milan Melindo (29-1, 12 KOs), ante un oponente por anunciar. Melindo vuelve por primera vez, desde su fallido intento mundialista, ante el campeón mosca mexicano, Juan Francisco Estrada, el pasado mes de julio.

http://www.notifight.com/artman2/publish/Reporte_7/Buitrago_podr_a_pelear_en_Filipinas.php

Date:  Saturday, July 13, 2013

Title:  WBO Mini-Flyweight Championship

Location:  Solaire Resort Hotel and Casino, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Promoter:   ALA Promotions

Supervisor:    Leon Panoncillo

Referee:  Raul Caiz Jr.

Judges:   Salven Lugumbay, Ulysses Glenn, Joe Garcia  

Result:   Merlito Sabillo retained his title stopping challenger Jorle Estrada by TKO in the ninth round.  Estrada down through body shot.

Photo:  Peter Gercke/SES Boxing –

La Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB) anuncia los oficiales que trabajarán este sábado, 13 de julio, en las defensas titulares de los campeones mundiales Robert Stieglitz y Merlito Sabillo, que cobrarán vida en Alemania y Filipinas, respectivamente.  

El presidente de la OMB, Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel, informó que para el choque que se efectuará en el Energie Verbund-Arena en Dresden, Sachsen, Alemania, donde el ruso radicado en ese país, Robert Stieglitz (44-3, 25 KOs) expondrá por primera vez frente al japonés Yuzo Kiyota (23-3-1, 21 KOs) el cetro supermediano (168 libras) que le arrebató en marzo pasado a Arthur Abraham, el árbitro será el estadounidense Celestino Ruiz. 

Los tres jueces para el encuentro del monarca Stieglitz y el décimo clasificado Kiyota son Alejandro López Cid, de México, Terry O’Connor, de Inglaterra, e Ingo Barrabas, de Alemania. El supervisor de la OMB para este choque encuentro, presentado por Sport Events Steinforth, será el propio presidente de la entidad, el puertorriqueño Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel. 

Por otra parte, para la pelea que se llevará a cabo en el Solaire Resort Hotel and Casino de Pasay City, Metro Manila, Filipinas, en que el titular de peso mínimo de la OMB, el filipino Merlito Sabillo (22-0, 11 KOs), defenderá su correa ante el colombiano Jorle Estrada (17-6, 6 KOs), clasificado número 15, el árbitro será Raúl Caíz Jr., de Estados Unidos. 

Mientras, los jueces que trabajarán en el pleito Sabillo-Estrada son los estadounidenses Joe García y Ulysses Glen, así como el filipino Salven Lagumbay. El supervisor de la OMB para este combate será Leon Panoncillo Jr.  

La pelea entre Sabillo y Estrada es una presentación de ALA Promotions.

http://www.notifight.com/artman2/publish/Comunicado_25/Oficiales_de_Stieglitz-Kiyota_Sabillo-Estrada.php

ALTHOUGH he is one of just three current world champions from the Philippines, World Boxing Organization (WBO) mini-flyweight king Merlito Sabillo still believes he has something to prove – that he is a great world champion and not just a one-hit wonder.

“He is very focused and wants to prove that he deserves to be a world champion. It’s a fight that will give him the recognition that he deserves,” ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu yesterday.

The 29-year-old Sabillo, a late bloomer in the sweet science, looks to put on a statement as he trades leathers with WBO No. 6 rated Jorle Estrada of Colombia this Saturday night at the Solaire Resort and Casino in Pasay City.

Sabillo, 22-0 with 11 knockouts, became the WBO mini-flyweight champion after an impressive eighth round technical knockout over Colombian Luis de la Rosa last March 9 in Cerete, Colombia.

“The record could be deceiving and the fact that he is No. 6 in the world proves that he may have something up his sleeve. Everyone knows the Colombians are tough fighters and they want redemption after Sabillo knocked out de la Rosa in Colombia to win the title. It should be an interesting fight,” said Aldeguer.

Estrada is 17-6 with six knockouts and has won four straight fights. He has a win over world-rated Mauricio Fuentes and has fought but lost to the likes of Carlos Buitrago, Walter Tello and Carlos Velarde.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/sports/2013/07/07/sabillo-out-prove-himself-291309

By Ronnie Nathanielsz –

Jorlie Estrada who challenges WBO minimumweight champion Merlito Sabillo in a breakthrough title fight at the plush Solaire Resort Hotel and Casino in the Entertainment City along Manila Bay on July 13, cannot be underestimated.

Although he has a record of 17 wins, 6 by knockouts with 6 losses, Colombian media has warned that it would be a mistake to underestimate Estrada as an opponent pointing out that he has won his last four fights including back-to-back victories  over Jorge Ballesteros including a 1st round TKO in their first encounter on March 17, 2012.

The 24 year old Colombian’s last loss was to talented Mexican Pedro Guevara who won by a 7th round TKO in a North American Boxing Federation light flyweight title fight on October 22, 2011 when he moved up in weight to face Guevara who gave IBF light flyweight champion Johnreil Casimero a tough battle before losing by a split decision in Mexico last August 4.

In his last fight on June 8 in Colombia, Estrada won by a 3rd round TKO over  Gustavo Cortes, a veteran of 39 fights.

Sabillo made a name for himself in Colombia when he scored a rousing 8th round TKO over highly fancied Luis  “Chino” De La Rosa, also of Colombia who had an impressive record of 21-1 with 12 knockouts.

Colombian media reported “that day the Filipino, almost unknown, showed his great condition and surprised everyone by his speed.

Sabillo, a hard-hitting southpaw is undefeated in 22 fights with 11 wins by knockout.
His trainer, Edito “Ala” Villamor told the Manila Standard that Sabillo has trained hard and is in great shape and is determined to put on an exciting performance as the highly-rated “Pinoy Pride” series of ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN makes its initial venture into the resort hotel and casino complex in the country’s growing entertainment city which aims to give Macau and Singapore a run for their money.

http://www.boxingscene.com/sabillo-not-underestimate-estrada-despite-record–67030

Lee Jimenez, InterAKTV /

Merlito Sabillo will make his first defense of the World Boxing Organization mini-flyweight title in grand style on July 6.

Sabillo, who was installed as the WBO’s 105-lb king on the strength of his huge interim title fight victory in Colombia last March, is being targeted to face Jorle Estrada, a Colombian.

The spanking new Solaire Resort and Casino is being eyed to host the world championship fight, according to ALA Boxing executive Dennis Canete.

The Solaire casino has been making heads turn the past couple of months and an appearance by Sabillo there could be a game changer.

Sabillo is one of three reigning Filipino world champions. The other two are Sabillo’s stablemate Donnie Nietes (WBO light-fly king) and Johnreil Casimero (IBF light-fly ruler).
The Philippines is aiming to make up for the losses suffered by main fighters Manny Pacquiao, Brian Viloria and Nonito Donaire the past few months.

After Sabillo’s defense in early-July, it will be the turn of another ALA puncher, Milan Melindo, who will challenge Viloria’s conqueror, Juan Francisco Estrada for the WBO and WBA fly crown on July 28 in Macau.

http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/world-champion-merlito-sabillo-looking-to-make-first-defense-of-wbo-belt-at-solaire

By Ronnie Nathanielsz –

WBO minimum weight champion Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo will make the first defense of his title on July 6, possibly at the plush Solaire Resort and Casino in the Entertainment City along Manila Bay.

Sabillo is undefeated with a record of 21-0 with 11 knockouts and will face No. 6 ranked Jorle Estrada of Colombia in a voluntary defense.

The 24 year old Estrada who is five years younger than Sabillo has a record of 16-6 with 5 knockouts.

The hard-hitting Sabillo won the WBO Interim title with a stunning 8th round TKO over heavily favored Luis De La Rosa who was fighting before his hometown fans in Colombia but couldn’t handle the aggressive Filipino.

Sabillo was elevated to full champion after Moises Fuentes, who was struggling to make the 105 pound limit, relinquished the title and moved up to light flyweight where he failed to wrest the title from long-reigning champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes who retained his title in a majority draw.

Fuentes wanted an immediate rematch but ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer said they couldn’t accede to the request because Nietes suffered a nasty cut above the eye in that title defense and it took some time to heal.

Fuentes has been guaranteed a mandatory rematch sometime in November following conversations between Aldeguer and Zanfer Promotions of Mexico who wish to stage the title fight in Mexico.

However, Fuentes is scheduled to have a tune-up fight before then while Nietes will make a voluntary defense of his title in August although no deal has been finalized with his possible opponent as yet.

http://philboxing.com/news/story-83741.html

By:  Eddie Alinea –

Manila(PNA) – Newly-crowned World Boxing Organization mini-flyweight champion Merlito Sabillo, plans to stay in the 105-pound division throne as long as he can.

“I will focus hard in training so I can keep my title,” said Sabillo, who in winning the crown, became one of the only three remaining world boxing champions following successive defeats suffered by his more illustrious compatriots Manny Pacquiao, Brian Viloria and Nonito Donaire Jr.

Sabillo knocked out Colombian Luis dela Rosa in the eighth round in his first overseas fight at the Coliseo Mario de León in Cerete, Colombia last March 9. It was for the interim title, and after Moises Fuentes moved up in weight and vacated the crown, the WBO decided to install the Filipino as the new champion.

Sabillo carried his belt as he graced yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate along with his trainer Michael Domingo and ALA Promotions vice president Dennis Cañete.

Cañete said Sabillo will make his first title defense on June 29 in Bacolod City.

“We are waiting for the WBO approval for his voluntary defense before we choose an opponent. But it will be among the top 10 in the mini-flyweight class,” said Cañete.

Sabillo sent Dela Rosa down in the seventh round of the brutal and exciting contest then finished him off in the 2:52 mark of the next round.

“It was an exciting bout and even WBO president Paco Valcarcel was impressed and said Sabillo can become a great champion,” said the ALA Promotions official.

Sabillo is undefeated in 21 fights with 11 knockouts, two of them coming in the first round. But he has what it takes to last as well because three of his wins came in 12-round decisions.

Sabillo, who turned pro when he was 24, is aware of the fact that the Philippines just lost three world titles following successive losses by Manny Pacquiao, Brian Viloria and Nonito Donaire Jr.

He wants to use this as motivation.

“It’s a little sad to see them lose. But that’s sports. You win some and you lose some,” said Sabillo, now ranked among Donnie Nietes (WBO minimumweight) and Johnriel Casimero (IBF light-flyweight) as the remaining Filipino world champions.

Photo- Merlito Sabillo celebrating with trainer Edito Villamor

http://philboxing.com/news/story-82877.html

Por:  Osman Rosales Cruz –

Durante conferencia de prensa realizada ayer en el Casino Pharaohs, el presidente de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB), el puertorriqueño Francisco Valcárcel, aseguró el gran interés de esa entidad por rendir homenaje a la máxima gloria del pugilismo nica, Alexis Argüello, con un show que incluya dos peleas de título del orbe.

El primer combate de esa magnitud sería entre el japonés y retador Tomoki Kameda, 27 (18 KO)-0, contra el monarca originario de Namibia, Paulus Ambunda, 20 (10 KO)-0, quien se apoderó del cinturón gallo (118 libras) OMB el pasado 2 de marzo, contra Pungluang Sor, por decisión unánime. Aquí el retador oficial es el nica Randy Caballero, quien aguardaría al ganador si se realiza esta reyerta.

La segunda sería la de Carlos “Chocorroncito” Buitrago, 24 (15 KO)-0, quien retaría al campeón mínimo (105 libras), el filipino Merlito Sabillo, 21 (11 KO)-0, quien noqueó en ocho asaltos al colombiano Luis de la Rosa el pasado 9 de marzo.

“Ya existen negociaciones con el apoderado del monarca africano y aunque escuché que no estaban dispuestos a venir a Nicaragua, tengo que hablar con el manejador del campeón, para ver qué pasa”, dijo Valcárcel.

Según el presidente de la OMB, a los organizadores de la cartelera no les costaría un solo centavo el montaje de esta pelea, porque los promotores japoneses se encargarían de todos los pagos.

En el caso del enfrentamiento de Buitrago contra Sabillo, según Valcárcel aquí se tendría que hacer cierta inversión para cumplir con la bolsa del filipino, y el nica tendría que ser más mesurado en sus pretensiones y aprovechar la oportunidad.

“Soy optimista y creo que se podrán realizar estos combates de título mundial. Ya hablamos con el Vicealcalde de Managua, Enrique Armas, para ver si es posible contar con el apoyo del gobierno municipal y central para este proyecto”, concluyó el dirigente de la OMB.

En la actividad también estaban y se involucrarían Silvio Conrado Jr. (Prodesa), Tuto Zavala (All Star Boxing), Ricardo Maldonado, los manejadores de Tomoki Kameda, que es su papá Shiro, y Ricardo Rizo.

http://www.elnuevodiario.com.ni/deportes/284335-peleas-de-titulo

By Rene Bonsubre, Jr. –

CEBU CITY – Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo was formally presented as the new WBO mini-flyweight or minimumweight world champion during a press conference held today at the St. Mark’s Hotel. Sabillo, who won the interim 105 lb division title last month in Colombia by 8th round TKO against Luis dela Rosa, is the second reigning world champion from the ALA Gym of Cebu.

In the April 2013 rankings of the World Boxing Organization, Sabillo (21-0, 11KO’s) has been elevated to regular champion status. The former champion in his division, Moises Fuentes of Mexico, remains the number one challenger of Sabillo’s stable mate, Donnie Nietes, who is the WBO lt.flyweight champ.

ALA Promotions CEO Michael Aldeguer plans to stage a fight for Sabillo sometime July or August possibly in the fighter’s hometown of Bacolod City. There is also the option of making him fight abroad. ALA Promotions is set to stage a card in San Diego, California this year.

Sabillo’s sensational victory in Colombia was the topic of WBO boxing insiders in Macau days before the Brian Viloria-Juan Francisco Estrada WBO flyweight title bout. Those who have seen the fight are still in awe of Sabillo’s performance and predicted that he will be one of the great champions in the lower weight categories.

Sabillo’s number one contender is Denver ‘The Excitement’ Cuello of Iloilo which leaves the door open for a possible ‘Ilonggo Civil War’.

“Boxers will fight whoever our managers tell us to fight,” Sabillo said, “If it’s against another Filipino, it’s OK with me.”

“If it happens, who not?” Aldeguer added, “But are Filipino fans ready for a Filipino fighting another Filipino?”

Sabillo had to travel for almost two days and sleep in airports enroute to winning the title. When asked how he relaxes himself before the big fight, Sabillo said that “I just pray. I know that when I fight inside the ring, God is always there.”

http://philboxing.com/news/story-82602.html

Date:   Saturday, March 9, 2013

WBO Interim Mini-Flyweight Championship Title

Location:  Coliseo Mario de León, Cerete, Colombia

Promoter:  All Star Boxing/Cuadrilatero

Referee:  Genaro Rodriguez

Judges:  Ignacio Robles, Glenn Feldman, Michael Pernick

Supervisor:  Felix Diaz

Result:  Sabillo won by TKO’ed Luis De La Rosa in the eighth round.

Este viernes, se realizará el lanzamiento oficial de la cartelera que las empresas All Star Boxing del empresario Félix “Tutico” Zabala y Promociones Deportivas Cuadrilátero, con sede en Colombia, presentarán el 9 de marzo en el Coliseo Mario de León en Cerete, Colombia.

En la pelea estelar de esa noche, el colombiano Luis De la Rosa enfrentará al filipino Merlito Sabillo, por la vacante corona mínima interina de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB).

El título mínimo se encuentra actualmente en receso, porque el campeón Moisés Fuentes, de México, enfrentará al filipino Nonito Donaire, el 2 de marzo, por la corona minimosca de la OMB.

Una conferencia de prensa en las instalaciones del Centro de Cultura Raúl Gómez Jatin, desde las 10:00 a.m del viernes primer de febrero, con la presencia del alcalde Francisco Padilla Petro, los representantes de las empresas All Star boxing y Cuadrilátero y del retador colombiano, Luis De la Rosa.

Será el arranque de la organización de un evento histórico para   el municipio de Cereté y Colombia en general, ya que es la primera vez que un peleador filipino pelea en territorio patrio por una faja mundial.

En dicha rueda de prensa se entregarán detalles importantes de la programación y los medios de comunicación tendrán la oportunidad de entrevistar a Luis De la Rosa, quien adelanta su preparación en la ciudad de Barranquilla.

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08MAR13 S INTERIM LUIS DE LA ROSA vs. MERLITO SABILLO