Bad news, good news for Phl boxing Estrada dethrones Viloria, but Melindo set to challenge newly-crowned WBO/WBA champ

CEBU, Philippines - One's loss is another's gain. Unfortunately, the two boxers involved are both Filipinos.

In a sad news to Philippine sports, Brian Viloria lost his two world titles to Mexico's Juan Francisco Estrada, who systematically punched his way to a split decision victory over the Fil-Am fighter to crown himself as the new WBO and WBA flyweight champion last Saturday evening at The Venetian Hotel in Macau.

But out of the bad news comes the good news after ALA Promotions President Michael P. Aldeguer confirmed that their prized ward Milan "El Metodico" Melindo, who scored a masterful fourth round stoppage of his hapless Indon foe Tommy Seran in the same Macau fightcard, is set to challenge the newly-crowned unified champ Estrada this August in Macau.

"During the post-fight presscon, Milan (Melindo) was called in the podium by Top Rank chairman Bob Arum to announce that Melindo-Estrada will happen in August in Macau. Milan spoke about his next fight against Estrada and Estrada spoke too and said he is ready for Milan next," said Aldeguer.

"I have also talked personally to Bob Arum, Fernando Beltran of Zanfer Promotions and WBO president Paco Valcarcel. It's a done deal. Milan vs. Estrada for the world title in Macau this August," added the dashing ALA executive.

Melindo, unbeaten in 28 bouts now spiked with a dozen knockouts, caught the fancy of the crowd who watched the first ever pro boxing show in the tiny Chinese territory after he easily dismantled Seran in their one-sided battle.

Melindo was in full control from the onset, landing solid shots at will including a powerful left hook that sent Seran down at the seat of his pants with 40 seconds left in the opening session. The pride of Cagayan de Oro City floored the Indon for the second time with a big right late in round two.

Seran's bitter end came at the fourth round when Melindo let loose a crushing left hook smack to the jaw that sent the battered Indon flat on his back. A visibly dazed Seran got up with rubbery legs, prompting the referee to halt the onslaught at 2:38 of the fourth.

"Milan looked so impressive in knocking out a world No.1 contender," said Aldeguer, who was extremely satisfied with their performance of their unbeaten star.

Aside from Melindo, the Peñalosa brothers Dodie Boy Jr. and Dave also battered their respective foes (see separate story) but it was not all jubilation for the Pinoys in Macau following Viloria's downfall at the hands of Estrada.

The Mexican landed the better blows and at times had Viloria on the verge of going down. But the Filipino refused to fall, giving his best despite the punishment and finishing the fight on his feet.

But it was not enough for him to keep his belts. In the end, it was clear that Estrada was the winner, and Viloria, spent and out of gas, was dethroned.

It was the first loss for Viloria in almost three years, and his first in seven fights. There was no word yet about a rematch between the 22-year-old Estrada and the 32-year-old Viloria.

One judge had it 115-113 for Viloria but the two others had it for Estrada, 117-111 and 116-111.

As the crowd waited for the decision, the Mexican corner started to celebrate. Estrada rode the shoulders of his trainer while on the other side, hands were all over Viloria’s face.

There was heavy swelling in Viloria’s left eye in the 10th round, and the Mexican went for it, landing a big one that hurt Viloria. In the closing seconds of the round, Viloria took a hard left, and his knees buckled.

Estrada fought a more confident fight in the 11th as Viloria started to feel the heat. But he was there fighting, never backing down.

With a minute left in the final round Viloria was in deep trouble, and looked ready to go.

The opening rounds weren’t too good for either boxer although Viloria, being the champion, did enough to keep them.

Viloria started going to the body in the third round and got away with a couple of good shots. Still it seemed that he couldn’t really find his range against his opponent.

Estrada landed some good shots in the fourth and fifth rounds, and may have built some confidence against Viloria. In the sixth round, there was some redness in Viloria’s face.

Viloria continued planting some blows to Estrada’s body, hoping that they could perhaps slow him down. The Filipino crowd started chanting Viloria’s name in the seventh.

In the eighth, the two boxers fought toe-to-toe at the center of the ring, and Estrada got away with his short uppercuts. (FREEMAN)