Domingo to fight Gorres' conqueror

CEBU, Philippines - Revenge is surely on top of Michael Domingo’s mind when the rising ALA Stable star battles the dangerous Colombian power-hitter Luis Melendez - the conqueror of Z Gorres - in the main event of the “Hangad na Paghihiganti” fight card on May 1 at the Pacific grand ballroom of Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

The name of Melendez rings a bell to the Philippine boxing fraternity as he was responsible for landing the brutal punch that nearly cost Gorres’ life.

Melendez lost by unanimous decision in that tragic 10-round rumble on November 13 at Mandalay’s House of Blues in Las Vegas, but Gorres collapsed moments after being declared the victor. The stricken Cebuano warrior was then rushed to the University Medical Center where he underwent a critical surgery to remove a blood clot on the left side of his brain.

In what many called a ‘miraculous survival’ from a life-threatening ordeal, the big-hearted Gorres can now walk on his own and swiftly headed to living a normal life again.

And now that Gorres is well and fine, Domingo wants nothing else than to dedicate his bout against Melendez to his well-loved stablebate and close buddy.

“I am very happy to be given this opportunity [to fight Melendez]. I’d really like to face him because he’s a good fighter with impressive record. I will give him my best shot,” said Domingo in a press conference yesterday at Patio Isabel.

“I’m very emotional about what happened to Gorres because he’s my friend. I want to show that I can defend him against Melendez,” added the former WBO Oriental bantamweight champion from Libac, Sultan Kudarat.

The 30-year-old Domingo was reluctant to predict a knockout, but he foresees the match will not go the full distance.

“I don’t think it will go the full 10 rounds. Either one of us will go down the floor. I couldn’t say if I can knock him out but the earlier the fight ends, the better,” said Domingo.

ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer, on the other hand, said they really intend to bring Melendez here in honor of Gorres.

“It’s a dream match-up. It is something for Z Gorres. We become emotional with what happened to Z. This is something we could give back to the Philippines in honor of Gorres,” said Aldeguer.

Given Melendez’s sterling track record, Aldeguer believes that the reigning Colombian super flyweight title-holder will be an acid test for Domingo.

“This is his (Domingo) chance to show what he can do and be recognized because Melendez is popular and a credible fighter,” said Aldeguer, who assured of a brighter opportunity for Domingo if he gets past Melendez. “I believe it is one of the biggest fight in Cebu this year.”

Aside from drawing global attention following his clash with Gorres, Melendez also gained fame for knocking down WBO super flyweight champion Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel of Mexico although he eventualy lost by 12th round TKO two years ago.

Domingo parades a 39-14-2 win-loss-draw record spiked with 17KOs, while Melendez sports a 26-5-1 card with 21KOs. – THE FREEMAN