Pacquiao to sit ringside for Melindo’s title shot

MANILA, Philippines – No less than Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao will be cheering ringside for his countryman Milan Melindo when the latter shoots for a world title against WBO/WBA flyweight champion Juan Estrada on July 27 at the CotaiArena at the Venetian Resort Hotel in Macau.

It will be the Mandaue-based Melindo’s first crack at a world championship. The undefeated fighter (28-0, 11 KOs) currently holds the WBO international flyweight crown and has a chance to become twin champions against Estrada (23-2, 17 KOs).

Melindo, the No. 1-ranked contender for Estrada’s titles, positioned himself for the championship opportunity by impressively knocking out Tommy Seran last April at the same venue.

Now, Melindo has a chance to become the Philippines’ fourth active world champion in front of Pacquiao – a former flyweight champion himself – in the Macau card, which is dubbed “Fists of Gold II”. Two-time Olympic gold medalist Zhou Shiming, who recently turned pro, will headline the card against Hong Kong’s Rex Tso.

A victory would place Melindo in the list of current active Filipino world titlists, alongside countrymen Donnie Nietes (WBO light flyweight), Johnriel Casimero (IBF light flyweight) and Merlito Sabillo (WBO minimumweight).

Meanwhile, two other Filipino fighters will plunge into action in the Macau card. Undefeated prospect Genesis Servania (21-0, 8 KOs) will take on Konosuke Tomiyama (23-5-1, 8 KOs) of Japan in an eight-round super bantamweight bout, while Dave Penalosa (6-0, 4 KOs) will  test his mettle against Ngaotawan Sithsaithong (10-10-1, 5 KOs) of Thailand in a four-round super bantamweight match.

Pacquiao himself is booked to fight at the same venue on November 10 against heavy-handed Mexican Brandon Rios.