WORLD Boxing Organization (WBO) No. 7 ranked bantamweight Vincent Astrolabio is in for the toughest fight of his career as he trades leathers with two-division world champion and decorated amateur Guillermo Rigondeaux on Feb. 26, 2022 in Dubai, UAE.
Astrolabio has been in the world rankings for some time now. A huge win over Rigondeaux should catapult him up the stacked bantamweight ladder.
Astrolabio is waiting in line for a shot at the WBO bantamweight belt, which is currently around the waist of fellow Filipino Johnriel Casimero.
The 24-year-old Astrolabio is riding on a four-fight winning streak since losing to Zong Li He by majority decision in a WBO Asia Pacific Youth super flyweight title fight in 2018 in China. He beat previously unbeaten Patrick Liukhoto, Kevin Aseniero, Wilbert Berondo and Jerry Pabila all by knockout in his latest run.
The 41-year-old Rigondeaux, on the other hand, just challenged for a WBO bantamweight strap in his last fight. He lost to Casimero via split decision on Aug. 14, 2021, at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
Before his loss to Casimero, Rigondeaux, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, won three straight fights, beating Giovanni Delgado, Julio Ceja and Liborio Solis. The only other fighter to beat Rigondeaux is Ukranian superstar Vasyl Lomachenko.
Astrolabio is 16-3 with 12 knockouts, while Rigondeaux is 20-2 with 13 knockouts.