Gabutan continues training with no title defense yet

ALTHOUGH no date has been set yet for his next title defense, World Boxing Organization oriental bantamweight champion Dayer Gabutan continues his hard work to be in tip top shape.

Training in Manila was postponed according to the 22-year-old fighter from Ambagiw, Besao, Mt. Province. Instead, he continues training at the Highland Boxing gym in La Trinidad, Benguet lodging four to six rounds of sparring every other day.

"Wala pa pong date kung kelan yung susnod kong laban pero sa ngayon eh hard training nap o ang ginagawa naming ksama na rin yung long run sa umaga para macondition yung katawan," said Gabutan.

Gabutan managed to retain his title last December in a referee stopped contest in the sixth of the scheduled 12 round match against John Paul Apolinario.

With a record of 12 wins, one loss and two draws, Gabutan is on a six win streak after tasting his first defeat in June 2009 against Richard Pumipic where he was knocked out in the seventh round of their scheduled eight round match.

With his daily run, Gabutan has to endure at least five to ten kilometers every other day in his training regimen.

"Tatlong beses po kami tumakbo sa isang lingo minsan umaabot ng 15 kilomters yung takbo," added Gabutan.

The Ambagiw, Besao native 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 last June in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Currently, Gabutan is ranked number 14 in the country's active bantamweight division with Nonito Donaire, the current WBA superflyweight title holder and the WBC Continental Americas bantamweight champion. (Roderick Osis)