In an IBF lightweight title elimination bout that took place this past Saturday, April, 21 at Deportiva Centenario in Michoacán de Ocampo, Tijuana, Mexico’s, Marvin “Cachorro” Quintero (25-3, 21 KOs), defeated Philippine native, Al “Captain A” Sabaupan (18-1-1, 13 KOs), by ninth-round TKO. With the win, Quintero is now the No. 1 contender and mandatory challenger to face IBF champion Miguel Vázquez (30-3, 13 KOs).
“I was not going to be denied tonight,” Quintero said. “I had a great training camp and all the hard work paid off. Sabaupan was a worthy opponent, but my will and determination to win in front of my people was the driving force for me tonight. I’m very excited for my team because we are on a mission to win a world title together. And now I am the mandatory challenger to face Miguel Vázquez. I’ll be ready for war when we fight.”
Said promoter Gary Shaw, “Marvin is ready for a world title shot and tonight he proved he has what it takes to be a champion. He’s a big puncher and his power is visible as he has won by knockout in his last five fights. I’ll be in conversation next week with the IBF to see if we can make the Vázquez fight. I know Quintero wants that fight. His dream of becoming a world champion is right around the corner.”
