Sabillo loses WBO title to Mexican Rodriguez
Merlito “TIGER” Sabillo. CDN FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Filipino boxer Merlito Sabillo suffered a stunning loss, a 10th round stoppage, at the hands of Mexican challenger Francisco Rodriguez Jr. Sunday (Manila time) at the Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico.
According to a report posted on www.boxingscene.com, Rodriguez took control of the fight after decking Sabillo twice in the second round.
Rodriguez (14-2, 10 KOs), who now owns the WBO minimumweight title, pressed the fight right at the opening bell and never pulled back on his punches while Sabillo (23-1-1, 12 KOs) on the other hand, offered little response.
Seeing blood in the water, Rodriguez went for the finish in the 10th round – pummelling the erstwhile unbeaten Sabillo – before referee Eddie Claudio stopped the bout at the 1:50 mark.
The win is said to be the biggest yet in Rodriguez’s career. Rodriguez was coming off a knockout defeat at the hands of former champion Roman Gonzalez last October.
RELATED STORIES:
Colombian boxer Jorle Estrada vows to knock out Pinoy Merlito Sabillo in PP XXI
Sabillo new PH world ring champ
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
