Melindo, Fuentes defend regional titles tonight

CEBU, Philippines - Milan ‘El Metodico’ Melindo (27-0, 11KOs) will try to prove he is worthy of a world title shot next year as the unbeaten ALA Boxing Gym star defends his WBO Inrternational flyweight title against Jean Piero Perez (19-4, 14KOs) of Venezuela in the main event of the keenly-awaited ‘Pinoy Pride XVI: Venezuelan Invasion’ tonight at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

ALA big boss Antonio 'Bidoy' L. Aldeguer said this is the right time for Melindo to show what he is really made as he is ranged against a dangerous and world-caliber opponent.

“We could have taken a weaker opponent but we want to prove that Milan is really the No.1 contender,” said Aldeguer. “This is a very crucial and important fight for Milan because this will strengthen his hold of the No.1 spot that will help us get a world title fight next year.”

Aldeguer is optimistic that the 24-year-old Melindo can come up with an impressive win against the WBA ranked No.4 Perez. “You know this kid (Melindo) knows how to fight and he is very intelligent, I have trust in him,” he said.

Both Melindo and Perez easily hit the 112-pound limit during the official weigh-in yesterday at The Event Centre of SM City-Cebu.

“For sure there will be a knockout as we are both counter-punchers, but I am sure that it would be him who will be kissing the canvass,” said Melindo, who scored a spectacular first round stoppage of former world champion Jesus Geles of Colombia during his previous bout last June 2 at the Resort World Hotel and Casino in Pasay City.

In the co-feature of the slambang show presented by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports, Rocky ‘The Road Warrior’ Fuentes (33-6, 22KOs) is also raring for a knockout as he stakes his OPBF flyweight throne for the fifth time against the Japan-based Korean slugger Myung-Ho Lee (15-1, 5KOs).

“Honestly I am tired of fight and defending my belt against fighters from Japan and I really want to knock him early to send a message for those who are still planning to face me,” said Fuentes.    

In the equally-exciting undercard, Arthur ‘El Matador’ Villanueva (19-0, 12KOs) will be tested for the first time against a foreign foe in Pramuansak Posuwan (45-4, 24KOs) of Thailand.

The rest of the slambang card features Welbeth Loberanis vs Jovel Romasasa, Mark Acub vs Ryan Maano, Reymund Tabogon vs Rowell Garcia and Bryan Lobitania vs Steve Noblefranca. (FREEMAN)