By Carlos Costa

Former WBO minimumweight World Champion "The Tiger" Merlito Sabillo (27-5-1, 13 KO's) of Bacolod, Philippines weighed-in at 107.4 lbs while his opponent Chinese Jing Xiang (14-4-2, 3 KO's) made 107.8 pounds for their rumble for the vacant WBC Silver Jr. Flyweight Strap Saturday (Sep 15) at Qinzhou Sports Center in Qinzhou City in Southern China.

Not lucky in his last clash last February in Bacolod losing a split decision to unbeaten world-ranked Filipino Edward Heno, Sabillo now aims at making good use of his experience and ring knowledge to outclass Jing Xiang, 28, an orthodox boxer who has rumbled against seven Pinoy fighters, including the reigning IBF super fly world champion Jerwin "Pretty Boy" Ancajas, to whom he lost years ago by points.

Will the 34 year-old "Tiger" Sabillo of the Highland Boxing Gym still have enough danger in his teeth to overcome his difficult opponent as his many fans in his native Bacolod hope? Or will the Chinese warrior be able to hunt down the battle-tested Filipino Tiger to win the WBC Silver strap?

MORE FIGHTS IN CHINA

In one of the card's supporting bouts, veteran Filipino gladiator Richard Garcia (27-28-1, 8 KO's) born in Sarangani Province squares off 20 year-old Chinese rookie Shichao Gao (1-0-1, 0 KO's) in a non-title 8-rounder clash in the super featherweight division.

Just looking at the boxers' records, some fight fans might want to bet all their savings that the 34 year-old Richard Garcia should still have more than enough in his weaponry to dominate the younger Chinese newcomer. 

In addition to fights of Filipinos Sabillo and Garcia against their respective Chinese foes, an exciting well-matched battle for the WBC Asia Heavyweight title should really thrill fans in attendance as rough heavyweights Kotatsu Takehara (15-11, 3 8 KO's) of Nagoya, Japan, and the slightly shorter but really tough Zhiyu Wu (8-2-1, 2 KO's) of China rumble for the coveted green belt

Furthermore, super bantamweight Yutthichai Wannawong (8-6, 7 KO's) of Nakhon Sawan in the Kingdom of Thailand, will climb up the square ring to engage Chinese combatant Jian Wang (6-1, 1 KO).   Both 22 year-old orthodox boxers will trade blows in a scheduled 6-rounder non-title clash.

This boxing show will take place in Qinzhou, a seaside city in Southern China lying on the famed Gulf of Tonkin. 

Fight supervisor is WBC Vice-president Robert Yalen of New York, USA.  Promoter is China International Sports Industry, matchmaker Zhang Aku.   Ring physician is Dr. Rene Bonsubre of the Philippines.

The author Carlos Costa of Panama is Boxingscene.com Fight Reporter based Cebu, Philippines.   Carlos can be reached by email:   Carlos512@hotmail.com and Whatsapp:   +639184538152.