REIGNING Asian Boxing Federation lightweight champion Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo will challenge Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) light flyweight champion Edward Heno on February 17 at the Gaisano Grand mall in Bacolod City.
The Toboso-hailed Sabillo (27-4-1 win-loss-draw, 13 KOs), a former WBO world minimumweight champion, is chasing the OPBF belt after losing a unanimous decision in the OPBF minimumweight title fight against Ryuya Yamanaka two years ago Japan.
The win over Heno (11-0-5, 5KOs) will boost Sabillo’s rankings for a possible return to the world title fight.
Last year, the 33-year-old Negrense champion recorded a pair of victories against Crison Omayao of Bukidnon and Indonesian Jack Amisa.
The 25-year-old Baguio City native Heno aims to extend his dominance in this weigh class after knocking out Japanese Seita Ogido last year in a rematch at the latter’s turf.
Their initial face-off for the OPBF light flyweight championship ended on a draw.
This event is presented by Highland International Boxing Promotions and supported by the Singwancha Foundation and sanctioned by the Games and Amusement Board. (HGD)