Feb

Edward Heno outpoints Merlito Sabillo in Philippine crossroads fight

Edward Heno scored the biggest win of his young career Saturday, defeating former world titleholder Merlito Sabillo by split decision...

Feb

Edward Heno to step up against Merlito Sabillo on February 17

by Ryan Songalia

On Saturday, undefeated fringe 108-pound contender Edward Heno will step up his level of opposition when he faces former 105-pound titlist Merlito Sabillo.

Nov

Donnie Nietes stops Carlos Velarde after seven, keeps 108-pound title

by Doug Fischer

Junior flyweight champ Donnie Nietes stopped Carlos Velarde after Round 7 to retain his RING/WBO titles on Saturday in Cebu City, Philippines. Former 105-pound beltholder Merlito Sabillo and 122-pound prospect Albert Pagara scored wins on the undercard.

Apr

Ring Ratings Update: Quiet two-week stretch

by Doug Fischer

The last two weeks have been relatively quiet in terms of action involving RING-rated fighters. However, some of the magazine’s top-10 contenders were in action, such as heavyweight Odlanier Solis, who lost to Tony Thompson and was dropped from the rankings.

Mar

Francisco Rodriguez stops Merlito Sabillo in 10, wins strawweight belt

by Doug Fischer

Unheralded Francisco Rodriguez Jr. mauled and dominated previously unbeaten Merlito Sabillo, wresting the WBO strawweight title with a 10th-round technical knockout at the Monterrey Arena in Monterrey, Mexico on Saturday.

Oct

Nietes, Sabillo defend titles on Nov. 30 in Manila

by Ryan Songalia

WBO junior flyweight titleholder Donnie Nietes and WBO 105-pound titleholder Merlito Sabillo will make their next title defenses at home on Nov. 30, when they face separate opponents at the Araneta Coliseum in Manila, Philippines.

Sep

Nietes, Sabillo to defend titles in Dubai on Nov. 29

by Ryan Songalia

WBO junior flyweight titleholder Donnie Nietes and WBO strawweight titleholder Merlito Sabillo will defend their titles on November 29 in the United Arab Emirates city of Dubai, says promoter Michael Aldegeur of ALA Promotions.

Jul

Sabillo stops Estrada in 9

by Ryan Songalia

Fighting in front of a crowd of 1,500 that included many of his nation’s top celebrities, Merlito Sabillo asserted his dominance, beating an overmatched Jorle Estrada around the ring before knocking him out at 1:09 of the ninth round with a thudding left hand to the body.

Jul

Merlito Sabillo: From street fighter to world title holder

by Ryan Songalia

Just a few years ago, strawweight world title holder Merlito Sabillo was making ends meet by fighting on the streets of Bacolod City, Philippines, and betting on himself to win.

May

Sabillo-Estrada title bout may usher in casino era for Philippines boxing

by Ryan Songalia

The July 6 WBO strawweight title bout between Filipino beltholder Merlito Sabillo and Colombia’s Jorle Estrada on July 6 at the newly-constructed Solaire Resort and Casino in Manila may usher in a casino boxing era in the Philippines.