P50 purse drives Sabillo to pursue boxing career

CEBU, Philippines - Funny as it may seem, but Merlito Sabillo's tale to stardom started from the P50 purse he got during his first ever boxing bout way back in the amateur ranks.

The newly-crowned interim WBO minimumweight champion can't help but joyfully recall his early struggles that became his springboard to the sweet success he currently enjoys.

Before lacing his first pair of gloves, the 'Tiger" from Toboso, Negros Occidental dabbled into several kind of sports back in his hometown, with fervent hopes of finding a way to help his family.

Sabillo tried at shooting hoops, but he immediately felt he wasn't cut out for basketball being a small, lean guy. He then turned to bmx only to back out later on because he can't afford to buy a decent bike. Shortly thereafter, he ventured in karate where he eventually figured in a highly competitive action. It was only after he joined a tournament in Bacolod City where he won a silver medal that he realized karate wasn't meant for him.

"I won silver during the first time I joined in a karate tournament. I was so hungry after the competition, but I couldn't buy something to eat because what I got was a medal only," said Sabillo.

It was only when he heared the exploits of global Filipino sports icon Manny Pacquiao in the United States  that he decided to take up boxing a couple of years ago.

"It was only when I learned that Pacquiao was earning well while fighting abroad that I suddenly got interested in boxing," said Sabillo. "I lost in my first bout as an amateur boxer, but to my surprise I was paid P50. I was so happy that I bought bread and iced water right away to satisfy my hunger. From that moment on, I made up my mind that boxing is the kind of path I have to take in life."

For Cebuano fight fans, Sabillo's name doesn't ring a bell. He is relatively unknown here, largely because most of his fights were staged in Bacolod.

But not until last Sunday when Sabillo stopped Colombia's hometown idol Luis de la Rosa in round eight of a scheduled 12-rounder to seize the interim WBO minimumweight crown at the Coliseo Mario De Leon Cerete in Cordoba, Colombia.

"I thank God, first and foremost, for giving me the strength and courage to win his title. I'm so happy to give honor and pride to our country," said the 29-year-old Sabillo.

It was no less a historic triumph for Sabillo as it marks for the first time in the nearly 30 years of existence of the fabled ALA Boxing Gym that two boxers under its fold reign as world champions at the same period of time. The other one is Sabillo's fellow Negrense in WBO light flyweight titlist Donnie "Ahas" Nietes.

Like any other touching stories of Pinoy prize-fighters, Sabillo admitted he boxes his way to get his family out of wrenching poverty. Her mother has already passed away, while his father's meager income as a construction worker couldn't meet both ends of their family.

"For me, boxing is the only option where I could help my family and provide them with a better life in the future," said Sabillo.

He turned pro in 2008 at the age of 24, which is a bit old to start a professional career, but Sabillo has proven that nothing is impossible so long as one masters the art of perseverance.

"Success is always at hand for those who knows how to persevere. To achieve your goals and aspirations in life, one should instill discipline in himself, learn the value of hardwork, and above all, one must have steadfast faith in God," he said.

Sabillo, undefeated in 21 ring battles with 11 victories by knockout,  still has a long way to go in his fistic career. But for now, he must bask in first in the glorious moment of being a world champion. (FREEMAN)