Sabillo loses to Japanese foe

FORMER WBO world minimumweight champion Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo of Bacolod City lost to Japanese Riku Kano via split decision last Sunday for the interim OPBF minimumweight title at Sanda City, Hyögo, Japan.

It was the third loss in 29 fights for the former top slugger of ALA Boxing Gym.

Filipino judge Dan Nietes had Sabillo the winner, 115-113, but Japanese judge Nobuyuki Kitamuar and Chinese judge Raymund Chang saw it identically at 117-111 for Kano.

Kano earned his 10th win against a single loss and a single draw along with five knockouts. He extended his winning streak to nine.

Sabillo snapped his two-bout streak, which were all held here against Filipino foes.

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