BACOLOD City—This proud son from the City of Smiles is ready to conquer the world again.
Former world titlist Merlito Sabillo displayed his old, deadly form to stop Jack Amis of Indonesia and pocket the vacant Asian Boxing Federation light flyweight title over the weekend at the Gaisano Mall here.
Sabillo, the former World Boxing Organization minimumweight titlist, bombarded the visitor with body punches and landed the finishing touches via a huge uppercut.
Amisa fell on one knee and referee Dan Nietes didn’t have to finish the count as he halted the game and declared Sabillo the winner by technical knockout in the third round.
Former Games and Amusements Board chairman Juan Ramon Guanzon, manager of Sabillo, said his ward still has what it takes to become world champion again.
“Puwede pa. Ilaban pa natin a few fights para mag-rating sa world,” said Guanzon, who is also the Negros Amateur Boxing Association president.
It was actually a repeat win by Sabillo over Amisa who he beat by unanimous decision in their first meeting in La Trinidad, Benguet two years ago.
Awarding the championship belt to Sabillo, who improved his record to 26 wins (13 KOs), 4 losses and 1 draw, were Bacolod City mayor Bing Leonardia and ABF president Naris Singwangcha of Thailand.
