MELINDO
Obviously disappointed after missing a chance at redeeming hmself against former tormentor Javier “Cobra” Mendoza who pulled out from their much awaited rematch on May 28 in Bacolod City, two-time world title challenger Milan “El Metodico” Melindo of the ALA Boxing Gym said he has no choice but to move on and focus on his upcoming assignment.
Melindo (33-2, 12KOs) and Mendoza (24-3-, 19KOs) are supposed to fight in a title eliminator for the IBF world light flyweight belt held by Japanese Akira Yaegashi in the undercard of Pinoy Pride 36: Legend In The Making. But the mouth-watering rematch was shelved after Mendoza, a former world champ, suffered a back muscle strain while training.
“Wala tay mahimo ana. God has a purpose. Dili man nato siya mapugos kung injured jud siya. Ma bati ang dula kung injured imong kontra kay mapugos ra siya ug fight,” Melindo told CDN.
Melindo is eyeing to avenge his controversial 6th round technical decision loss to Mendoza in Mexico for the IBF world light flyweight title last year.
But the chance to avenge that loss is now gone.
Instead, Melindo will battle another Mexican toughie in Maximino “Max” Flores of Baja California, Mexico, who has 19 wins in 21 fights with 13 knockouts. Flores is on a three-bout winning streak.
They will fight for 10 rounds at the Saint La Salle Stadium in Bacolod City in the fight card to be headlined by WBO world light flyweight champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes (37-1-4, 21KOs) and Mexican challenger Raul “Rayito” Garcia (38-3-1,23KOs) who is himself a former world champion.
Also fighting in the undercard is Ilonggo “King” Arthur Villanueva (28-1, 14KOs) who will go up against Juan “El Peñita” Jimenez (22-9,15KOs) in a 10-round, non title bout.
Other undercard fights pit Cebuano up and comer Kevin Jake Cataraja (3-0, 2KOs) of ALA Boxing versus Thai Chatchai Or Benjamas (5-7, 4KOs ) for eight rounds; Jonas Sultan (10-3, 6KOs) of Zamboanga del Norte and Rommel Oliveros of Parañaque City for the Philippine super flyweight title; Raul Yu (7-1-2, 6KOs) vs. Robert Ates (3-2, 2KOs) of Bacolod City; Tagbilaran City’s Kenneth Gentallan (3-0, 2KOs ) vs. Team Joeric Boxing’s Jeffrey Stella (3-1-1, 3KOs); and Mandaue City boxers Gerard Suico and Reymund Rama.