By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

Toboso-born Merlito ‘Tiger’ Sabillo is currently training with his first boxing coach, Sonny Villagonzalo, ahead of his upcoming Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) light flyweight title fight against defending champion Edward Heno at the Gaisano Mall in Bacolod City on Saturday, February 17.

“He is really my first coach in boxing, that’s why I returned to him,” the challenger said.

Sabillo, who defended his Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) lightweight title last October against Crimson Omayao, would likely qualify for a world title fight if he were to win.

Villagonzalo was with Sabillo last year during a prior ABF title defense in May, after knocking down Indonesian boxer Jack ‘Destroyer’ Amisa.

Following his win, the boxer said, “With Coach Sonny Villagonzalo on my team, I’m optimistic I can achieve [another world title].”

Meanwhile, Heno, who is originally from Baguio City, won the OPBF title following a rematch against Japanese boxer Seita Ogido last year./JSG, WDJ