Using his power and speed, Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo of Toboso, Negros Occidental knocked down in the 7th round challenger Jonathan Refugio of Malaybalay-Bukidnon to retain his Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation mini-flyweight title, Friday night at the La Proa Ballroom of L’ Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City.

Unleashing a combination of punches targeting Refugio’s mid-section, the undefeated Sabillo registered the 8th TKO in his boxing career and improved his record to 18 victories.

Pummeling the Bukidnon challenger into submission in the 7th round, Sabillo had his foe kneeling on the canvass with two minutes and 36 seconds in the round, prompting international referee Samson Libres to give him the mandatory 8-count.

Refugio showed aggressiveness and speed in the first two rounds by landing several combinations but it failed to stop Sabillo from successfully defending his OPBF championship belt.

Happy with his latest win, Sabillo said he is offering everything to God and thanked those who are supporting him.

Meanwhile, Escalante City-born Melvin Gumban snatched the Philippine Boxing Federation super flyweight championship belt from champion Nelson ‘The Giant Killer’ Llanos of Davao via a unanimous decision.

Noting the swelling in Llanos’ forehead in the later rounds, referee Dan Nietes directed him twice to have his wounds checked by fight physician Dr. Francis Balsomo.

Gumban on the other hand, sustained a cut just above his left eyebrow in the fourth round. The judges scored the fight, 97-92, 96-93, and 98-91 all in favor of Gumban.

Other results in the under card  showed Bacoleño Juren Labordo defeated Davaeño Anastacio Gallardo via unanimous in a 4-rounder fight of 112 pounds division; Top Prime Stable’s Louie Arlos also won by UD over Tagbilaran City’s Lito Dante in the 108 lbs, while Rey Morales of Himamaylan City also scored a unanimous victory over Bukidnon’s Kheriel Gonlibo in a 4-rounder fight in the 112 pounds division.

The boxing showdown was presented by ALA Promotions and sanctioned

by the Games and Amusement Board head by chairman Juan Ramon  Guanzon.*HLGarciniego

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