Sabillo faces Indon foe in undercard of PP XI

After dethroning OPBF minimumweight champion Rodel Tejares Singwancha in the undercard of the WBO world super flyweight bout between Filipino Donnie “Ahas” Nietes and Mexican Ramon Garcia Hirales last October, Merlito “The Tiger” Sabillo will return to the ring on Jan. 28, 2012 in the undercard of ALA Boxing Promotion’s Pinoy Pride XI at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

The undefeated Sabillo (16-0, 17KOs) beat Singwancha (19-2, 5KOs) via a unanimous decision in a brawl in front of his hometown fans at the Saint La Salle University Gymnasium last Oct. 8, 2011.

On Jan. 28, 2012, Sabillo will face reigning Indonesia Boxing Commission minimumweight champion Sofian Effendi in an eight-round non-title bout in the undercard of the WBO Intercontinental flyweight championship fight between Milan “El Metodico” Melindo and former WBC and WBO Latino light flyweight champion Juan Esquer (27-9-2, 21KOs).

Sabillo’s bout against Indonesian Effendi will mark his first fight in Cebu City since all of his previous matches were held in his hometown in Bacolod City up until his reign as the Philippine minimumweight champion. Sabillo defended his title three times in his hometown.

Known for his aggressiveness and staggering hooks and combinations, Sabillo is expected to capture the hearts of Cebuano boxing fans.

Effendi on the other hand, is fresh from his fifth round knock out victory over fellow Indonesian Domi Nenokeba to snatch the vacant Indonesia Boxing Commission minimumweight title.

Effendi may not be that strong inside the ring as he sports an even 11-win, 11-loss card with nine knock outs and two draws, but his familiarity with Filipino boxers would come in handy against Sabillo.

Effendi fought former WBC silver flyweight champion Edrin Dapudong, former IBF minimumweight champion Florante Condes, Milendo, former WBO Oriental light flyweight champion Bert Batawang and Steve Dimaisip.

The other featured fighter in the 11th edition of Pinoy Pride is the undefeated WBO Oriental Featherweight champion Lorenzo “Thunderbolt” Villanueva.