WBO champ Sabillo on a tough mission

CEBU, Philippines - WBO minimumweight champion Merlito 'Tiger' Sabillo (23-0, 12KOs) faces a career defining moment as he defends his title for the second time against interim champion Carlos ‘Chocorroncito’ Buitrago (27-0, 16 KOs) of Nicaragua on November 29 in Dubai, UAE.

The 29-year-old Sabillo fought last July 7 at Solaire Resorts Hotel and Casino in Parañaque City where he demolished Colombian Jorle Estrada in the ninth round.

This time the Bacolod City-native will travel to the Middle East with a daunting task to once again protect his title against the dangerous Nicaraguan boxer.

“This is the fight that could really tell us what he (Sabillo) is really made of,” said ALA Promotions President Michael Aldeguer. “I can say that this fight will be the biggest test of his career so far.”

Sabillo already turned up the intensity in his training where he is planning to have a three months training camp in preparation for the fight.

“We are focusing first on Merlito’s conditioning,” said ALA chief trainer Edito Villamor. “We are going to prepare for three months because we know this guy (Buitrago) is not an easy opponent.”

The 21-year-old Nicaraguan became the mandatory challenger after his lopsided unanimous decision victory against Mexican Julian Yedras last July in Mexico.

“Me and Merlito already viewed the tapes of his fight and we know that he (Buitrago) is not an easy opponent. But I trust Sabillo because he is very determined to defend his belt in front of our kababayans in Dubai,” added Villamor.

Aside from Sabillo, WBO light flyweight champion Donnie "Ahas" Nietes. Sabillo is set to see action inside the ring in Dubai against a still undetermined opponent.

This will serve as Nietes tune-up fight before a rematch with former Mexican champion Moises Fuentes next March in Mexico City. (FREEMAN)