Merlito Sabillo

Merlito Sabillo (born January 19, 1984) is a Filipino professional boxer. He is a former WBO Minimumweight World Champion. In 2008, at the age of 24, Sabillo started his career as professional boxer. On, August 1, 2010, he won the Philippines Games and Amusement Board (GAB) strawweight title against Jetly Purisima via twelve round unanimous decision. On October 8, 2011, Sabillo won the vacant OPBF Minimumweight Title against his landsman Rodel Tejares via twelve round unanimous decision. On March 9, 2013, Sabillo defeated Colombia's Luis de la Rosa via 8-round technical knockout to win the interim WBO Minimumweight world title. He was later promoted to full champion after original champion Moises Fuentes vacated the title to move up to Light Flyweight. He successfully made his first title defence against Jorle Estrada on July 13, 2013. He retained his title for a second time against Nicaraguan Carlos Buitrago in a bout ending in a disputed split decision. In his next fight, Sabillo lost the title to Francisco Rodriguez, Jr. via tenth round TKO.