Vincent Astrolabio (left) could fight Guillermo Rigondeaux next month. WBO, AFP FILE PHOTOS
MANILA, Philippines—Filipino knockout artist Vincent Astrolabio could get the biggest fight of his career if his team can pull off a date with former bantamweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux.
As per BoxingScene.com, plans have been laid out to get Astrolabio (16-3, 12 knockouts) in the ring with Rigondeaux on February 26 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Astrolabio, who trains at Manny Pacquiao Boxing Gym in Davao, is on a four-fight winning streak all of which ended in a KO.
The 24-year-old’s last fight lasted just a single round when he stopped Jerry Pabila in their super bantamweight eight-rounder.
MP Boxing Gym coach Nonoy Neri believes Astrolabio, who hasn’t fought for a World title in his career, can upset Rigondeaux (20-2, 13 KOs).
“Astrolabio is much younger, has a power punch and a big heart,” said Neri, who together with Freddie Roach and Buboy Fernandez, helped train Pacquiao.
Rigondeaux, meanwhile, isn’t taking the lightly.
“We’re back and we’re coming with a lot of enthusiasm, you know my thing is boxing,” said Rigondeaux in the report. “I don’t know where this new chapter in my career is going to take me, but I’m excited and I’m training very hard for this fight.”
The 41-year-old Rigondeaux held World titles in the bantam and super bantamweight divisions with his biggest win coming over Filipino Nonito Donaire in 2013.
The Cuban’s last fight , however, ended in a loss when he fell to WBO bantamweight champion John Riel Casimero via split decision in August 2021.