Pinoy Sabillo overcomes jitters, downs Colombian Estrada in Pinoy Pride XXI

Manila—Merlito “The Tiger” Sabillo shook off early fight jitters and knocked out Colombian Jorle Estrada in the ninth round to retain his WBO World Minimumweight title last Saturday night in the main event of the Pinoy Pride XXI: When Worlds Collide at the Grand Ball Room of the Solaire Resort and Casino.

Sabillo downed Estrada with a counter-left hook to the mid section at the 1:09 mark of the ninth round. Estrada was not able to beat referee Raul Caiz Jr.’s count to give the victory to Sabillo.

The 29-year old Sabillo admitted after the fight that he struggled early in the fight because he felt a lot of pressure being in the main bout of a major fight card for the first time in his career.

“I was very tense in the first few rounds because a lot of people were watching, including the bosses of ABS-CBN and ALA Promotions,” said Sabillo, who remained unbeaten after 23 fights. He has 12 victories by knockout. “I was able to adjust in the later rounds after I found out that he was hurting because of my body shots. It was difficult at first but I relaxed and got my timing later on.”

By the time Sabillo overcame the pressure, he slowly dismantled Estrada with shots to the mid section and accurate three-punch combinations to the head.

Estrada, who vowed to knock out Sabillo in seven rounds, managed to land some sloppy combinations but he was more busy trying to escape Sabillo’s offense. He now holds a 17-7 record with six knockouts.

Meanwhile, ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael Aldeguer said Sabillo would possibly get his second title defense mid-October this year probably in Dubai.

“I think Sabillo fits well for a main event boxer for ALA Promotions’ first fight card abroad,” said Aldeguer.

Other bouts

In other bouts, OPBF superflyweight champion “King” Arthur Villanueva clinched the vacant WBO Asia Pacific Superflyweight title by beating Mexican brawler Arturo Badillo via technial knockout at the 2:03 mark of the fourth round.

”I had to win because a lot of high-profile personalities were present,” said Villanueva. “I wanted to impress them that’s why I had to finish him quickly.”

MMA-LIKE MOVES

Two-time world title challenger AJ ‘Bazooka’ Banal also logged an easy comeback win against Abraham Gomez of Mexico, who refused to fight before the start of the third round.

Banal fought toe-to-toe against Gomez and both inflicted cuts after clashing their heads twice.

Everyone was surprised after Gomez fought like an MMA fighter. He brought Banal down on the canvas several times and was even deducted two points for his unusual moves.

“Prince” Albert Pagara remained undefeated after disposing Thai Khunkiri Wor Wisaruth in the 2:29 mark of the second round. Jessel Mark ‘Magnifico’ Magsayo scored his second straight first round TKO win after beating Jamjam Ungon with a body shot at the 1:55 mark.

‘Vicious’ Vic Saludar needed only 52 seconds to clinch his first pro victory as he knocked out Juanito Hundante.

Brian Lobitania and late substitute William Amora settled for a draw in their six-round showdown while Elmo Traya lost to Diover Mangaya-ay by split decision after four rounds.