Melindo upbeat on beating Viloria’s Mexican conqueror

CEBU, Philippines - Filipino world title hopeful Milan "El Metodico" Melindo expressed with much confidence that he has what it takes to beat the newly-crowned WBO and WBA flyweight champion Juan Francisco Estrada of Mexico in their upcoming championship bout.

The 25-year-old Melindo was at the ringside when Estrada wrested Brian Viloria two world titles with split decision victory over the fallen Filipino champ last Saturday night at the Venetian Hotel and Casino in Macau.

In the same fightcard, Melindo scored a masterful fourth round stoppage of his hapless Indon foe Tommy Seran.

Impressed by his performance, Top Rank chairman Bob Arum called Melindo in the podium during the post-fight news conference and announced that the ALA Boxing Gym star is going to challenge Estrada this August in Macau. The dotted lines haven't signed yet but ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael P. Aldeguer confirmed that it's already a done deal.

"Bob Arum's announcement really caught me by surprise," said Melindo in a visit to The Freeman office yesterday. "But I'm happy at the same time because I've really been wanting to fight for a world title. This is now my moment and I will train even harder to achieve my dream."

Melindo said Estrada throws a lot of punches, but noted that the Mexican isn't not that strong for his failure to knock the lights off Viloria.

"I'm ready against Estrada. I've seen closely how he fights and I think I can beat him," said Melindo. "He’s not that strong because he failed to knock Viloria out. The only good thing about him is that he throws a lot of punches, but I can handle that," added the reigning WBO International 112-pound titlist.

Melindo 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 just 40 seconds gone by 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.

Melindo, thus, stretched his clean slate to 29-0 now spiked with a dozen knockouts. The 22-year-old Estrada, on the other hand, improved his record to 23-2 packed with 18KOs. (FREEMAN)