Is Melindo for real?

When unassuming Milan Melindo beat Panama’s highly-regarded Carlos Melo to win the WBA Intercontinental lightflyweight title in Cebu last July, word spread like wildfire that the ALA stable had discovered another diamond in the rough.

The win over Melo catapulted Melindo to No. 7 in the WBA 107-pound ratings. He is also No. 2 in the WBO 105-pound ladder as the governing body’s Asia-Pacific minimumweight champion.

But is Melindo for real?

His record is a perfect 16-0 but his four knockout wins seem to indicate a lack of punching power, now almost a necessity for a fighter to overcome the odds in overseas outings. Manny Pacquiao, for instance, would never have evolved into a global marquee champion if he didn’t pack a wallop in both fists.

While the jury may still be out on Melindo, ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer is convinced the fighter is a star on the rise. But Aldeguer’s not relying on instinct. More than anyone, Aldeguer is anxious to find out if Melindo is worth investing time, effort and resources. He continues to put Melindo to the test.

If Melindo turns out to be the real deal, Aldeguer is prepared to do what it takes to put him on the world stage.

What appears evident is Melindo has superb boxing skills. He can outbox opponents silly and frustrate them to the point of exasperation. Melindo is no ordinary stylist. He’s also hard to hit. If he could only develop a killer punch, Melindo would be a total package.

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Tonight, Melindo stakes his WBO minimumweight diadem against Tanzanian challenger Juma Fundi in a 12-round bout at the Atrium of the Limketkai Mall in Cagayan de Oro.

The fight is another test for Melindo who will be watched closely at ringside by WBO Asia-Pacific chairman Leon Panoncillo and Uruguayan international matchmaker Sampson (Picasso) Lewkowicz.

Fundi has lost only once in nine bouts, a decision to Filipino Richie Mepranum, but he’s coming off a first round knockout victory over Sadat Miyeyusho so Melindo can’t afford to take the Tanzanian lightly.

A lot is on the line for Melindo – his lofty world ratings, his WBO belt, his unblemished record and his reputation as a hot ALA prospect. He’s definitely out to show up Panoncillo and Lewkowicz, too.

If there’s anyone who could give Melindo a break overseas, it’s Lewkowicz. He’s in town on the way to the WBC convention in China. Lewkowicz was the same man who convinced New Jersey promoter Murad Muhammad to take a chance on Pacquiao eight years ago when he flew to the US looking for a window of opportunity.

Lewkowicz is a free-lance matchmaker who has worked with Top Rank, the Goosens, Sycuan’s Ringside, Golden Boy and several others. He considers Golden Boy his “family” and conceptualized the World Cup format in professional boxing.

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“An impressive win for Melindo could earn for him his first international stint, possibly in Dubai,” said Aldeguer. “We are looking to match him with either Omar Soto of Mexico or former IBF champion Muhammad Rachman of Indonesia.”

Melindo won his last three assignments on points over Jack Amisa for the WBO title, Shofyan Efendi and Melo. Whether he has the tools to put Fundi to sleep remains to be seen.

Aldeguer’s father Tony said in a short span of three years, Melindo has compiled an impressive streak of 16 straight wins and the win over Melo established his stature as a fighter of consequence.

It will only be Melindo’s second fight in Cagayan de Oro, his hometown. Last year, he disposed of Naupayak Sakkririn in the fourth round before his townmates. He’d like to treat the local folk to the same abbreviated ending tonight.

Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno is organizing the card which will feature another local hero Jason Pagara.

“In my recent talk with Gov. Moreno, he expressed his plan to promote boxing in his province if only to prove that Mindanao is a peaceful place except for some remote areas where the military and MILF rebels are dishing out their own battle,” said Tony Aldeguer. “Gov. Moreno’s passion is to promote the livelihood of his constituents through boxing in his province.”

Pagara has a 15-1 record, with nine KOs, and his only setback was a six-round decision to Anton Olarte last year. The WBO Youth lightweight titleholder, who is managed by Mario Eronico and fights out of the ALA gym, will face grizzled veteran Arnel Porras for the vacant Philippine throne.

Porras, a six-year pro, held the Philippine crown two years ago and is a dangerous opponent for Pagara because of his experience and ring guile. Last August, he was halted in the third round by one of Pacquiao’s American sparring partners David Rodela in Cebu.

Melindo and Pagara will be under pressure to impress their townmates. Will they be up to the task?