Juanito Rubillar's Camp Winding Down

By Rey Danseco
 
Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) light flyweight champion Juanito Rubillar skipped his training on Wednesday to appear at the Japanese Embassy in Manila to apply for a visa prior to his scheduled title defense.

“It doesn’t matter, we may consider this day as Sunday, his rest day. We will work at the gym on Sunday instead,” said trainer Roel Morata, who also applied for visa along with manager Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde Jr. and Nestor Elorde.

Rubillar was advised to get the visa on Wednesday in order to avoid potential problems with travel.

The 30-year old southpaw will put his title on the line against seventh ranked Japanese contender Ken Nakajima on June 24 at the Nishinari Ward Gym in Osaka, Japan.

Rubillar took the vacant OPBF throne with impressive technical knockout win in the sixth round against Indonesian champion Irfan Ogah last October in Trece Martires City.

Rubillar, who has predicted a knockout win inside seven rounds, will save his last 10 rounds of sparring until Monday. He targets 104 rounds of sparring at the Elorde Gym in St. Rita Village in Sucat, Paranaque City.

Currently ranked No. 4 in the world by WBC, Rubillar is comfortable at his weight. He was 110-pound yesterday, exactly two-pounds over the limit.

Rubbilar regularly jogs at the two hectare oval of the Loyola Memorial Park, near the Elorde Gym, and chef Anita Buen of Surigao del Sur makes sure Rubillar’s diet goes smooth and takes care of a dozen other boxers in Elorde's stable.