Melindo TKOs Mexican, closes in on Viloria

CEBU, Philippines – Milan Melindo scored a seventh round TKO win over his Mexican challenger Juan Esquer to retain his WBO Intercontinental flyweight title the other night at the Waterfront Hotel here.

It also installed him as a serious contender for the WBO flyweight crown being held by Fil-American Brian Viloria.

Michael Aldeguer, president of ALA Promotions, is planning to give Melindo a couple more fights before he shoots for the world title.

Melindo’s promoters said they’re not after Viloria but if the WBO mandates them to fight the reigning champion, they will have no other choice.

“The plan right now is to bring Melindo to the United States. We’re looking for a top 10 contender in his next fight for him to get that mandatory status,” said Aldeguer.

Aldeguer said they’ve already discussed with Bob Arum of Top Rank and MP Promotions regarding the co-promotion of a possible Viloria-Melindo showdown.

“Of course, we don’t want that to happen because they’re both Filipinos but if they will accept the challenge, then we’ll go for it,” said Aldeguer.

Melindo said he’s waiting for the right time for him to vie for the world championship.

“I know my dream of fighting for a world title will come at the right time,” said Melindo, who capped a 5-0 sweep of the Filipino fighters in “Pinoy Pride XI.”

“If I’m going to face Viloria, so be it. I’m willing to take the challenge anytime.”

From the outset, a very composed Melindo baffled Esquer with his stiff jabs, rapid-fire punches and great counter-punching skills to the delight of the huge crowd.

The pride of ALA Boxing Gym continued his relentless offense in rounds three and four where he rocked Esquer with solid combinations to the head and body.

Melindo landed a low blow that sent Esquer down on the canvas. Esquer appeared to be grimacing in pain although it looked like he was just trying to consume the five-minute break so he could catch his breath.

Esquer tried to get up several times only to fall back down, drawing jeers from the fans. When the match resumed, Melindo pressed the attack, leaving no room for Esquer to retaliate.

The anticlimactic end of the bout came in the seventh round. After Esquer hit Melindo with his own low blow, it was the Mexican who suddenly fell to the floor.

In that instance, Esquer’s cornerman went to the apron and waved off the bout, prompting referee Danrex Tapdasan to swiftly call for a halt at the 2:16 mark of round seven.

“I’m happy that I won, but I’m not really satisfied with my performance,” said Melindo, who improved his unbeaten record to 26-0 now spiked with 10 knockouts.

Esquer slipped to 27-10-2 (21 KOs). 

“I could have done better had the fight lasted longer and I could have knocked him out because I sensed he’s already wearing down,” Melindo added.

Undefeated OPBF Oriental featherweight champion Lorenzo Villanueva and the Philippines top flyweight contender Mhar Jhun Macahilig pounded their respective rivals in spectacular fashion.

 Villanueva (22, 0, 21 KOs) recorded the night’s quickest win as he needed just 77 seconds to knock out Mexico’s Tyson Ledesma (18-5-2, 12 KOs), while Macahilig (14-1, 8 KOs) was similarly impressive in stopping Thai Kaichon Sor Vorapin (25-11, 9 KOs) in the second round.

In the other featured bouts of the six-nation card bankrolled by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports, OPBF light flyweight titlist Merlito Sabillo (17-0, 7 KOs) kept his clean record with a unanimous decision over Indonesian Sofyan Effendi (11-12-2, 9 KOs), while Joseph Von Miñoza (13-2, 5 KOs) prevailed over South Korean Shin Kim (8-3, 6 KOs) also via unanimous verdict. – Freeman News Service