Gabutan to defend title

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

WITH no opponent still in check, Dayer Gabutan is set to campaign anew as he tries to defend his oriental bantamweight crown next month.

Tentatively set February 18 this year, Gabutan will defend his World Boxing Organization title in the Summer Capital as part of the month long flower festival celebration.

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“Walang pang malinaw kung sino ‘yung makakalaban ko pero by February siguardo ‘yun ‘yung next na title defense ko,” said Gabutan in an earlier interview.

Gabutan, who turned pro four years ago, captured his first professional boxing title when he defeated Jilo Merlin via a unanimous decision (116-113 twice and 115-113) in their 12-round minor title fight in 2010.

Gabutan will also seek his 17th career win and his 11th straight victory since losing to Richard Pumi-pic via a 7th round TKO in 2009.

The Ambagiw, Besao, Mt. Province native successfully defended his title after stopping another Thai in Petch Twins Gym at the Kowloon Bay International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Hong Kong in September 2011.

Gabutan is currently ranked sixth in the WBO bantamweight class and will be eyed for a major title this year after fellow Filipino vacated the weight class who will now be fighting as a super bantamweight.

Local promoter and Gabutan’s manager Brico Santig has also expressed his optimism the boxing titlist will also be included in one of Manny Pacquiao’s undercard in the near future. (Roderick Osis)