Toboso town’s Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo will face another test in his boxing career on May 4 when he faces Malaybalay Bukidnon’s Jonathan Refugio in his first title defense for his Orient Pacific Boxing Federation mini flyweight title at the L’Fisher Hotel.

The Sabillo vs. Refugio fight is the main event in ALA Promotions “Pride of Negros” boxing spectacle that is expected to draw a crowd of boxing-loving Negrenses to the venue.

In his recent visit to Bacolod City, Chad Cañares of ALA Promotions said they are staging the fight for all Negrenses who have shown their strong support during the boxing spectacle last year that featured Nietes, including the October 8 world title bout that allowed Nietes to grab the WBO light flyweight title from Mexican Ramon Garcia Hirales.

While everyone was focused on Nietes that night, Sabillo managed to steal some of the limelight as he scored a victory against Baguio City’s Tejares Singwancha in their 12-round ring battle.

With the win, Sabillo improved his record to 17 wins with 7 knockouts. He is being groomed as the next boxing sensation from Negros Occidental.

At present, he occupies the No. 8 slot in the World Boxing Federation mini flyweight, No. 12 in the World Boxing Association, and No. 17 in the World Boxing Council.

Also featured in the “Pride of Negros” is Escalante City’s undefeated Melvin Gumban, who will challenge Philippine Boxing Federation super flyweight titlist Nelson Llanos of Zamboanga .

Gumban is best remembered by the local boxing followers as the hard punching boxer who forced Richard Donaire to retire in their fight during the Pinoy Pride IX.

Also in the undercard are three other undefeated Negrense fighters, former Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines national age-group champion Bacoleño Juren Labordo against Davao City’s Anastacio Gallardo, Bacoleño Loue Arlos against Tagbilaran City’s Lito Dante, and Himamaylan City’s Rey Morales against Bukidnon’s Kheriel Gonlibo.

Labordo will slug it out against Gallardo in the 112 pounds for four rounds, while the Arlos and Dante will fight at 108 pounds for six rounds.

Morales, on the other hand, hopes to win his battle in the 112 pounds against Gonlibo in the four-round fight.*NAB

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