Melindo stakes WBO belt versus Mexican

CEBU ,Philippines  – Undefeated WBO Intercontinental flyweight champion Milan “El Metodico” Melindo hopes to hurdle the last obstacle leading to a world title shot as he defends his crown against Mexican Juan “Panterita” Esquer in the Pinoy Pride XI: Philippines vs The World fight card at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino here tonight.

“I’m ready to rumble. This is a very important fight for me and I’ll do whatever it takes to win,” said the 23-year-old Melindo prior to yesterday’s official weigh-in at The Event Centre of SM City-Cebu. 

Contrary to his hard-line remarks earlier, Melindo opted to tone it down this time, saying he has high regards for Esquer, a seasoned warrior who has already faced seven world champions.

But Melindo, boasting of a 25-0 record, including nine knockouts, said there’s one thing he is sure of – a resounding victory over the Mexican in their scheduled 12-round duel.

“It’s going to be a good fight. Esquer appears to be very confident even though he’s fighting here. He’s willing to mix it up with me toe-to-toe and even vowed to knock me out,” said the slugger from Cagayan de Oro City. “But I don’t want to let it happen. I’m going for a convincing victory to make my fans happy.”

Both fighters weighed in at exactly 112 pounds. During their promotional pose, Esquer, toting a 27-9-2 mark, including 21 KOs, drew jeers from the crowd after he pointed a finger at Melindo .“He’s (Melindo) in for a big surprise because I’m going to knock him out,” said Esquer through his interpreter Michael Lopez, a Mexican national now based in Cebu.

While Esquer is out to prove his worth after losing seven of his last 13 bouts, Melindo will make the first defense of the WBO regional belt he snatched after beating Francisco Rojas of Mexico via 10th round technical decision last Sept. 10, also here.

In the supporting main event of the six-nation boxfest bankrolled by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports, Lorenzo “Thundervolt” Villanueva (21-0, 20KOs) clashes Diego “Tyson” Ledesma (18-4-2, 12KOs), while unbeaten Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) light flyweight titlist Merlito Sabillo (16-0, 7KOs) slugs it out with Indonesian Sofyan Effendi (11-11-2, 9KOs).

Mhar Jhun Macahilig (13-1, 7 KOs) takes on Thai Kaichon Sor Vorapin (25-10, 9KOs); whiile Joseph Von Miñoza (12-2, 5 KOs) faces South Korean Yoo Shin Kim (8-2, 6KOs) in the other match.

  Freeman News Service