Unbeaten Filipino Merlito Sabillo (22-0, 11) might be the most obscure champion in world boxing right now despite holding the genuine WBO title at Minimumweight. He'll be looking to make the first defense of that belt when he takes on little known Colombian challenger Jorle Estrada (17-6, 6) in the Solaire Resort Hotel and Casino, Pasay City.
Although the Philippines is a boxing mad country Sabillo has never really had the hype that has been associated with his compatriots such as Froilan Saludar and Denver Cuello instead he's had to fight for his respect. He finally earned that respect last time out when he stopped Luis De La Rosa in De La Rosa's homeland of Colombia.
Although he's relatively unknown Sabillo is a highly talented fighter who had developed wonderfully since turning professionally back in 2008. He's developed not only the skills that have taken him to winning the WBO Minimumweight titles but also developed the power that has seen him stopping his last 4 opponents. Sure Sabillo isn't the next Pacquiao in terms of being a concussive puncher but he hits significantly harder than his record shows.
In Jorle Estrada we have a fighter who is even more obscure than Sabillo though footage does exist of him and information is out there about him nothing seems that impressive about him.
Estrada debuted in 2008 and started his career with 10 straight victories. Following those victories he went 3-6 losing to the likes of Carlos Buitrago, Pedro Guevara, Welter Tello and Carlos Velarde. This run would have discouraged many fighters but Estrada stuck with it and is currently on a 4 fight winning streak which has seen him claiming the South American Minimumweight title.
What I've seen of Estrada hasn't looked good. He appears to push his punches which never seem to have any snap or accuracy on them, his defense is weak and whilst he's been unfortunate to be stopped at least once (the stoppage loss to Buitrago was awfully weak) he doesn't look like he really takes a shot too well.
With the skill of Sabillo and his under-rated power I really can't see this going the distance. I imagine he'll rock Estrada in the middle rounds and then go for the kill unloading until Estrada is eventually stopped.
Prediction-Sabillo TKO7
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