Pinoy Pride 8: PHL vs. Mexico: A first of its kind

CEBU, Philippines - In another unprecedented move, ALA Promotion has taken the task of bringing not one or two but three tough and tested Mexican fighters to do battle with their Filipino counterparts in the popular "Pinoy Pride 8: Philippines vs. Mexico” on September 10 at the Pacific ballroom of Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

To headline the epic encounter between the two rivaling nations is the undefeated Milan “El Metodico” Melindo of the fabled ALA Boxing Gym, who will face the veteran Mexican brawler Francisco “Chiquita” Rosas for the WBO Intercontinental flyweight championship.

Popularly known as the “uncrowned champion” for having beaten two former world champions Muhammad Rachman and Carlos Tamara, the rapid-punching Melindo will lead the Philippine Team in its historic battle against the Mexican warriors, who will be steered by the three-time world title challenger Francisco Rosas.

The diminutive and bull-strong Rosas was not only a world-title challenger but had the experience of going into the ring with five world champions and counts a win over former WBA champion Juan Jose Landaeta.

The gritty Mexican is a prominent name in the international boxing circle and formerly held the WBC Fecarbox championship and the Mundo Hispanic title as well.

ALA Promotions President Michael Aldeguer confides that Francisco Rosas could prove to be the toughest test for Melindo. “He is awkward and tough and throw punches from all angles. It won’t be an easy fight but Milan has the edge.”

The second encounter is a guaranteed banger between two explosive hitters, Jason “El Nino” Pagara (27-1, 16KOs) and Rosbel “Lobito” Montoya (12-2-1, 11KOs).

Both protagonists are reigning regional champions with the power-punching Montoya currently holding the WBC Fecombox light welterweight diadem, while the “El Niño” reigns as the WBO Asia-Pacific Youth champion of which title will be at stake in their fight.

“It will surely not last the distance. Pagara and Montoya are both hard hitters and whoever connect first will be the last man standing," predicts ALA chief trainer Edito Villamor. It is an even fight.

While the “El Niño” has stopped all his last six opponents with none going over four rounds, the equally strong Mexican terror holds a menacing 73.33% knockout percentage in 15 fights. Montoya has scored 11 knockouts in his 12 wins with only two losses and one draw.

The last of the dual match-up is a classic engagement between a battle-scarred veteran Gerson “El Nene” Guerrero (34-8,26KOs) and a young and undefeated ALA protégé from the sugarland of Bacolod City, Genesis “Azukal” Servania (14-0, 5KOs).

The comebacking Guerrero has undoubtedly the edge over the Cebu-based Ilonggo in experience and power while the latter will be relying on his youth and stamina.

Guerrero has fought the best in his division such as Ponce de Leon, Christian Mijares and Hugo Fidel Cazares and had held five regional championships. With these credentials the betting odds well surely favor Guerrero but a big upset is not totally discounted b the handlers of the skillful Servania.

Tickets are available at ALA Gym in Banilad Town Center ( 416-2011); ALA Promotions Office (236-4611); Pacific Mall- Mandaue (12 am to 9 pm); Gaisano Fiesta Mall-Tabunok (12 am to 9 pm); Unitop-Lapu Lapu City; Ayala Mall; Gaisano Mactan and at the Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino.