Viloria to defend title vs Melindo?

MANILA, Philippines - It’s now up to Brian Viloria if he wants to defend his WBO flyweight title against fellow Filipino Milan Melindo.

“It’s a waiting game. We have to talk to the Viloria camp and know what their plans are,” ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told The STAR yesterday.

Melindo is under ALA Promotions, and even before Viloria fought Mexico’s Hernan “Tyson” Marquez last Sunday, the undefeated fighter from Cebu has been declared the mandatory challenger. (Related story on A-31)

Aldeguer said it was announced during the WBO convention and ratings conference last month that the winner of the Viloria-Marquez bout should next face Melindo.

“We have 30 days to negotiate for this fight. We’re not sure what will happen. What we’re sure of though is that Melindo is the mandatory challenger to the WBO crown,” said Aldeguer.

Melindo was asked of this possibility before he took on Venezuelan Jean Piero Perez last September in Cebu City where he won on points.

The 24-year-old Melindo, now 28-0 with 11 knockouts, said he’s willing to take on Viloria if mandated by the WBO.

Viloria knocked out Marquez in the 10th round to unify the WBO and WBA flyweight titles, and sooner or later he will have to decide on his next fight.