Newly crowned IBF World light flyweight champion Milan “El Metodico” Melindo said a solid teamwork was the key to his stunning first round knockout of erstwhile champion Akira Yaegashi Sunday night in front of a partisan crowd at the Ariake Colosseum in Tokyo, Japan.
In a short interview with CDN, the 29-year old Melindo thanked his team for the biggest victory of his career.
“God used other people as an instrument to help me become a world champion. We worked together as a team to achieve this success,” said the ALA Boxing Gym star.
Melindo’s training camp was led by strength and conditioning trainer Pio Solon, trainers Edito and Edmund Villamor and Michael Domingo.
“My boxing coaches didn’t just improve my boxing skills but also helped me a lot in improving my mindset, my confidence and gave me important tips that resulted in the easy win,” added Melindo.
It was Melindo’s third crack at a world title having failed in 2013 against Mexican Juan Francisco Estrada via unanimous decision in Macau, China and to Mexican Javier Mendoza who beat the Cagayan de Oro native via a controversial technical decision in Baja California, Mexico.
“I am very happy right now and I am very thankful to God for making me a world champion at last,” said Melindo.
Teamwork
Melindo said his team members played important roles during his five-month training in Cebu. The Villamor brothers helped him sharpen his boxing skills, while Domingo gave him important tips having fought for a world title himself. Solon on the other hand, focused more on the scientific aspect of the sport through plyometric training at his facility in A.S Fortuna, Mandaue City.
Edito Villamor said that the abbrevieted victory also surprised them. Yaegashi was the overwhelming pick being a three division world champion.
“We never expected that Milan will knockout Yaegashi because we believed that he’s a great and a tough champion. But we are very glad that Milan was able to execute our game plan,” said Villamor.
Strong faith
Melindo also believed that his strong faith in God played a big role in his career. He found strength in his faith after failing in his previous world title fights. “I surrendered everything to God. I believe that he made me a better person and I believe that he used certain people to help me what I am right now,” added Melindo.
Melindo joined Manny Pacquiao, stablemate Donnie Nietes and Jerwin Ancajas as the country’s reigning world champions. He improved to 36W-2L-0D-13KOs.