Gabutan ready for biggest fight

A DIFFERENT Dayer Gabutan will climb up the ring at the Carnival City in Brakpan, South Africa in March 23 against an older and experienced Vusi Malinga of South Africa.

With an IBF title eliminator up for grabs, Gabutan’s trainer said they expect a total war against the African banger but the Filipino WBO oriental bantamweight champion has better chances of winning a shot at the world title.

“Pursigido yung bata sa training. Dati di gaanong nakakasakit yung tama niya pero ngayon pag suntok niya siguradong iindain yun ng kalaban,” said Joven Jorda, Gabuta’s chief trainer.

Aside from the regular sparring at the Highland Boxing Gym, Gabutan and his team also took time out to train and spar with other upcoming fighters in Metro Manila at the MP gym.

The 24-year-old Besao, Mt. province fighter had sparring sessions with upcoming featherweight roger Ancajas and super bantamweight Argie Toquero.

“Since January nagtraining na siya kahit walang pang posibleng laban, kaso nung may offer na lumaban kame para sa IBF, talagan sinungaban na rin naming,” added Highland Boxing Gym manager Brico Santig.

Gabutan recently wrapped up his sparring session last Monday completing at least 100 rounds and has now been cooling down prior to fight night with barely eight days left.

Undefeated in 12 fights since losing his first way back in 2009, Gabutan is facing a taller and experienced Malinga, who is eyeing another shot at the world title since losing to Hozumi Hasegawa in 2009 for the WBC bantamweight crown and to Leo Santa Cruz in June last year for the vacant IBF bantamweight strap.

“Optimistic kami na lalaban etong si Dayer laban sa African. Kung sa footwork lang at sa speed sigurado lamang kami at tsaka matagal di lumaban si Malinga kaya sa resistensya mahina siya,” Jorda added.

The youthful Gabutan is being touted as a slight favorite going into the fight with a ring record of 18 wins, one loss and two draws that goes with nine knockouts including his recent second victory against Indonesian Lande Olin last December.

Malinga, who has a record of 20 wins with four losses and one draw, will have to shake off ring rust where his last fight was in June 2012.