SABILLO KOS INDONESIAN TO WIN ABF TITLE

CHAMPION ANEW. (Left to right) Promoter Juan Ramon Guanzon, ABF President Naris Singwancha, ABF light flyweight champion Merlito Sabillo, referee Danny Nietes and Bacolod City Mayor Bing Leonardia. (Photo by BRICO SANTIG)

PHILIPPINES — Former world champion Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo showed back his old fiery form by knocking out Indonesian Jack Amisa in the 3rd round to win the vacant Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) light flyweight title last May 27 at the Gaisano Mall in Bacolod City.
Sabillo, a former WBO world minimumweight champion landed powerful body shots on Amisa, who fell down on his knees at the corner.
“Puede pa rin mag world champion itong si Sabillo,” said former Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Chairman Juan Ramon Guanzon.
Sabillo, a native of Toboso, Negros Occidental is a former stablemate of newly-crowned world champion Milan Melindo of the ALA Stable in Cebu, who had just won the International Boxing Federation world title belt via a stunning 1st round KO over a heavily favor Japanese pug Akira Yaegashi in Japan.
Sabillo, who is now handled by Guanzon improved his record to 26 wins with 13 knockouts against four losses and one draw.
He also beat Amisa via a unanimous decision in their first encounter two years ago in La Trinidad, Benguet.
Sabillo, 33, previously bowed to Ryuya Yamanaka by a UD in their battle for the vacant Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation minimumweight crown last November 11 at the Central Gym in Kobe, Japan.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa Panginoon at sa lahat ng mga sumusuporta pa rin sa akin hanggang ngayon,” (I thanked God at everyone who are still supporting me now) said Sabillo, who was awarded a golden belt by ABF President Naris Singwangcha and Bacolod City Mayor Bing Leonardia.
Meanwhile, flyweight Jayr Raquinel stopped Elmer Liboon only in the first round of the undercard.
The 20-year old Raquinel is still unbeaten with seven straight wins and five knockouts and one draw.
“This kid has a bright future,” said Guanzon, who successfully made his first promotion to help professional boxers in Negros Occidental.
Raquinel’s only draw was a split with Glenne Calacar last February 11 for the Luzon Professional Boxing Association (Luzproba) light flyweight title in Mandaluyong City.
The other fights saw flyweight Paulo Sy knocked out Tomas Rebusit in the 2nd round while minimumweights Jonathan Almacen and Ernesto Alera in a draw.
The boxing card was supported by Naris Singwancha and Ryuta Kato of United Boxing International Promotion.