By Rey Danseco

UNBEATEN Filipino lightweight knockout artist Al Sabaupan has replaced compatriot Jimrex Jaca as the opponent in a non-title fight on the undercard of Drian “Gintong Kamao” Francisco against former two-time world champ Roberto “La Arana” Vasquez on Oct. 3 at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City, Manila.

International matchmaker Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde Jr. has secured the deal for Sabaupan’s first fight against a foreigner.

Sabaupan takes on former Mexico lightweight champion and one-time world title challenger Josafat “Leoncito” Perez of Nacho Huizar’s stable in 10-round bout at lightweight.

With these changes, Jaca lost the chance of earning a P100,000 purse that his manager Sammy Gello-ani and promoter Elmer Anuran had agreed to give him.

Jaca was game but fell short against Juan Manuel Marquez with 9th round knockout for the interim World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight title in Hidalgo, Texas in 2006. Since then, he won only once in his next six bouts.

The 26-year old southpaw from Monclova, Mexico has a 12-2 with 7 knockout record. He took the blemishes on his ledger in his last two outings against the heavier Julio Cesar Sanchez Leon with a split decision in October and WBA super featherweight champion Jorge Linares with technical knockout in round 8 two months ago.

The 20-year old Sabaupan, who trains at the Touch Gloves Boxing Gym in Agoncillo in Batangas, is coming off in a hard-earned technical knockout win in round 7 of scheduled 8-round contest against Cebu-native Roselito “Gwapito” Campaña, who fought for the first time in four years.

The fight took place at the T. Paez Elementary School Gym in Malibay, Pasay City. He improved his mark to 8-0-1 with six knockouts since turning pro in March 2008.

Francisco, who is ranked No. 6, and Vasquez, rated No. 8, meet for 12 rounds with the vacant WBA International super flywieght title at stake.