Newcomer Olivo has the tools to overpower Milan

Milan “El Melindo (left) poses with his Mexican opponent Victor Emmanuel Olivo after the final press conference of the Pinoy Pride 34 yesterday at the Fiesta Bay Seafood Restaurant in Lapu-Lapu City. They will clash this Saturday at the Hoops Dome. (CDN PHOTO/LITO TECSON)

Sporting a deceiving young record of nine wins with four knockouts, 19-year old Victor Emanuel Olivo of Mexico should never be overlooked by former world title contender Milan “El Metodico” Melindo when they collide this Saturday in the undercard of Pinoy Pride 34: Back With A Vengeance at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City.

Olivo revealed during yesterday’s final press conference that he should not be underestimated being a three-time Mexican national champion with a vast amateur experience. He also claims to be a regular sparring partner of Melindo’s (32-2,12KOs) tormentor, reigning WBA and WBO Flyweight champion Juan Francisco Estrada.

Melindo’s camp also needs some drastic adjustments  with the orthodox fighting Olivo. Melindo trained for three months against his original opponent Carlos Fontes (23-3,17KOs) of Mexico who uses a southpaw stance. Fontes was replaced after being inflicted with dengue. They were supposed to fight for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) International light flyweight title.

“I’ve prepared for Fontes not for Olivo so it’s hard. But I am ready and I will not disappoint my fans,” said Melindo. “He has a very good amateur background and I expect a tough fight against him.”

Olivo’s manager and trainer Alfredo Caballero who accompanied him at yesterday’s press briefing at the Fiesta Bay Seafood Restaurant, said that his ward is a regular sparring partner of Estrada who defeated Melindo in 2013 in Macau, China where they battled for two world crowns.

“I’ve been training in Mexico before they called me up to fight Melindo because I have a scheduled fight in December. We’re both young fighters and both confident but I’ll go back home to Mexico undefeated,” said Olivo.

Meanwhile, ALA Promotions International CEO Michael Aldeguer, said that the sudden changes in the card is expected to have some unpleasant effect on  the promotion. But the young promoter clarified that things like this happen.

“Things happen and unfortunately this thing happened at this time. But I assure everyone that it will be a good fight and this will be the fight that people wants to see. Last minute replacements have nothing to lose, they come to fight and score upsets. That’s what makes this fight exciting,” said Aldeguer.

In a related development, “King” Arthur Villanueva (27-1,14KOs) said he felt nervous when his fight  with Mexican Victor “Spock” Mendez (19-2-2,15KOs) for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) super International flyweight belt was promoted as the card’s main event due to Fontes’ withdrawal.

Despite his hunger to rebound from a controversial technical decision loss to Mcjoe Arroyo for the IBF Super flyweight title in the U.S, Villanueva said being in the main event has more pressure.

“I felt nervous but I am still focused for the fight. I assure everyone here that this fight won’t last 12 rounds. There will be a knockout,” stressed Villanueva.

Mendez who was a few seats away from Villanueva, said he respects Filipino boxers but he will make sure he will return to Mexico with the belt on his waist. “I will put on a good show and I will make sure that I win in this fight,” said Mendez.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Faris Nenggo (10-8-3, 3KOs) revealed a well guarded secret. He said he ate balut on the eve of his fight against former WBO world minimumweight world champion Merlito Sabillo last year. He credited the lowly balut for his stunning win against Sabillo. He will face newcomer Kevin Jake Cataraja (1-0,1KO) for six rounds and declared that balut will still come in handy on Friday night.

Also fighting in the undercard are former world title contender AJ “Bazooka” Banal against Tanzanian Emilio Norfat, ALA Boxing Gym pug Rocky “Road Warrior” Fuentes vs. Indonesian Afrisal Tamboresi, Melvin Jerusalem vs. Crison Omayao, Cris Ganoza vs. Fabio Marfa and Christian Bacolod against Allan Garing.

The card’s official weigh-in will be held today at 11 a.m. at the Gaisano Island Mall Mactan.