One-time world title challenger Reymart Gaballo is on the verge of earning a world title shot.
This possibility surfaced a couple of days ago when Emmanuel Rodriguez of Puerto Rico decided to hang up his gloves.
Once the International Boxing Federation declares the 118-lb division vacant, it will be automatic that the two leading contenders — Japanese Ryosuke Nishida and Gaballo — will be ordered to dispute the throne.
The southpaw Nishida, holder of an 8-0 record with one knockout, is rated No. 1 while Gaballo is No. 3. The No. 2 spot is vacant.
Gaballo, who has a 25-1 mark with 20 knockouts, fights out of JC Mananquil’s SanMan Stable of General Santos City.
It’s going to be a matter of time before Gaballo gets his second shot at a world title after he unsuccessfully attempted to dethrone Nonito Donaire in December 2021.
Donaire stopped Gaballo in four rounds with a wicked body shot.
But since the Donaire defeat, Gaballo has won two straight bouts.
