Melindo dares Segura to a showdown

Fresh from bludgeoning Francisco Rosas into submission, newly crowned unbeaten WBO Intercontinental flyweight champion Milan Melindo of Cagayan de Oro yesterday called out Mexican hero Giovani (El Guerrero Azteca) Segura and challenged him to a duel with or without a world title at stake.

Melindo, 23, was untouchable in disposing of Rosas, a Mexican journeyman who absorbed a severe thrashing before surrendering in his corner at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu last Saturday. Referee Bruce McTavish said Melindo took every round and was never hurt.

ALA Promotions owner Tony Aldeguer told The STAR that Rosas, 31, was nearly decked by a left hook in the third round but proved durable. “Rosas was in queer street a few times as Milan kept pressuring him,” said Aldeguer. “Rosas was backpedalling most of the fight.” While Rosas was clearly not in Melindo’s class, he turned out to be as tough as advertised. He was battered and bruised but wouldn’t go down. Rosas eventually gave up on his stool before the start of the 10th round. Aldeguer described Melindo’s performance as “superb.”

The win raised Melindo’s record to 25-0, with nine KOs. “Melindo needs to work more on power but it’s coming,” said McTavish. “He’s ready for Pongsaklek.” McTavish referred to the Thai fighter who is on his second reign as WBC flyweight champion. Aldeguer, however, said he is inclined to negotiate a shot at WBA 112-pound titlist Hernan (Tyson) Marquez of Mexico or IBF ruler Moruti Mthalane of South Africa instead. Pongsaklek is not likely to defend his crown outside of Thailand and Aldeguer said he will not risk Melindo losing by a hometown decision.

* * *

But Melindo’s target is Segura who recently relinquished his WBO and WBA “super” lightflyweight crowns to invade the flyweight division. Segura, 29, is ranked No. 6 by the WBA in the 112-round class and has a 28-1-1 record, with 24 KOs, including 11 in the first round. Among Segura’s knockout victims were Filipinos Sonny Boy Jaro and Juanito Rubillar.

 “I’m ready for a world title fight,” said Melindo. “What I want is to fight Segura but I need to take it step by step. I know how hard it is to promote a world title fight. I need to do something positive to convince people to promote the fight. Segura is moving up to flyweight and I think he’s the best. That’s why I want to fight him. I think I should fight more world-caliber boxers. But any world champion I can fight will be a big step up for me. I’m a thinking fighter. I know by fighting the best, I can improve myself. That’s what I need to advance my boxing career.”

Melindo said despite raising the white flag, Rosas had nothing to be ashamed of. “He fought well and was very durable, maybe because he was bigger than me,” he went on. “I learned a lot from the fight, particularly in mental toughness. I’m very proud that I was able to put on a good performance in front of my father, my uncle and nephew who came to watch the fight and provide moral support. My girlfriend didn’t come because she’s in Tokyo working as a nurse in a hospital.”

Melindo weighed in at 111 pounds while Rosas tipped the scales at 113 1/2.

* * *

Aldeguer said he will make an offer for Marquez to defend the WBA crown against Melindo in Manila or Cebu next year. Marquez, 23, is slated to stake his title against Luis Concepcion in Sonora on Oct. 29. A southpaw, Marquez has a 31-2 record, with 24 KOs, and his only losses were inflicted by Filipinos Nonito Donaire Jr. and Richie Mepranum. Last July, he retained his title on a third round knockout over Filipino challenger Edrin Dapudong.

Mthalane, 28, will put his IBF title on the line against Andrea Sarritzu in Sardinia, Italy, on Sept. 23. The South African has a 27-2 record, with 18 KOs, and Filipinos Johnriel Casimero and Apol Suico were two of his knockout victims. In 2008, Moruti was halted by Donaire in the sixth round.

Melindo is two inches shorter than Segura at 5-2 and his 64-inch wingspan is five inches less. Segura has won his last nine fights and his only loss was to Cesar Canchilla on points in 2008. The Mexican halted Canchilla in the fourth round of a rematch. Segura knocked out Puerto Rican legend Ivan Calderon in the third round last April and made his flyweight debut last June, stopping Eddy Zuniga in the first round in Toluca.