FORMER International Boxing Federation (IBF) world light flyweight title contender Milan “El Metodico” Melindo will get a chance to reassert himself as a world contender after ALA Promotions and Mexico’s Zanfer Promotions have come to terms to give him a rematch against his tormentor Javier “Cobra” Mendoza this year.
Their rematch, tentatively set on May 28, will be a title eliminator for the IBF world light flyweight strap now being held by Japanese Akira Yaegashi (23-5,12KOs), who defeated Mendoza last year in Tokyo, Japan via unanimous decision.
Melindo (33-2,12KOs) was defeated by Mendoza (24-3-1,19KOs) last year in Mexico in a controversial technical decision after the former suffered a cut in his left eyelid, which prompted the referee to stop the bout in the sixth round.
ALA Promotions International CEO Michael Aldeguer confirmed that the 28-year-old Cagayan de Oro city native will have a chance for another crack at the world title.
“IBF already sent us a letter to schedule a mandated fight between Melindo and Mendoza for the IBF world light flyweight eliminator and we are formally discussing this matter right now with Zanfer Promotions of Mexico. We are looking at May 28,” Aldeguer said.
The rematch may be included in the undercard of the bout between reigning WBO world light flyweight king and two division world champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes against Raul Garcia Hirales of Mexico in Bacolod City.
If Melindo defeats Mendoza, he will earn a third crack at a world title. His first world title bout ended with a unanimous decision loss to Juan Francisco Estrada in 2013 in Macau, China.
Melindo proved he still got what it takes to fight for a world title after he won over Mexican Victor Emmanuel Olivo in an epic 10-round showdown at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City.