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El capitalino Moisés “Moi” Fuentes tiene la pelea que anhelaba. De ganar el próximo sábado, en Filipinas, se convertirá en un peleador de elite a nivel mundial, en las divisiones menores del boxeo. Para eso, buscará su desquite ante el filipino Donnie Nietes, y como visitante una vez más.

El “Moi” Fuentes (19-1-1, 10 KOs) se enfrentará a Nietes (32-1-4, 18 KOs) en un combate unificatorio del título mundial minimosca de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB) el próximo sábado en Manila, Filipinas, en una pelea que enfrenta a dos campeones mundiales. El mexicano es el actual monarca interino, mientras que el filipino es el monarca regular.

Además de ser un duelo de campeón a campeón, por el título mundial indiscutible minimosca OMB, será una contienda de desempate. En marzo del año pasado, Fuentes retó a Nietes en Cebu City, y la contienda finalizó empatada aunque “Moi” para mucho ganó la disputada contienda en la propia tierra del filipino.

El próximo sábado, el originario del Distrito Federal llega en mejor momento. Desde esa primera contienda ante Nietes, “Moi” ha ganado tres contiendas, incluido un nocaut sobre Luis De La Rosa en disputa del campeonato mundial interino OMB, pues Nietes, por lesión, duró ocho meses sin exponer su cetro el año pasado.

Nietes sólo tuvo una contienda, hace cinco meses, y noqueó en tres rounds a otro mexicano, como lo es Samuel “Sammy Guty” Gutiérrez.

Fuentes busca su segundo campeonato mundial en diferentes divisiones, pues antes se proclamó titular de la categoría mínima, por la OMB.

Las acciones de la contienda Fuentes-Nietes podrán ser vistas en México por la señal de la “Casa del Boxeo”, Azteca 7.

En el respaldo principal de esta velada se dará otro capítulo de la rivalidad boxística entre México y Filipinas, cuando Milan Melindo (30-1, 12 KOs) se enfrente al mexiquense Martín Tecuapetla (11-5-2, 8 KOs) por el campeonato internacional mosca OMB.

http://www.notifight.com/artman2/publish/Reporte_7/Fuentes-Nietes_II_el_s_bado_en_Manila.php

Date:  Saturday, July 27, 2013

Title:  WBO Flyweight Championship

Location:  Venetian Casino & Resort, Macao, S.A.R. China

Promoter:  Top Rank/Bob Arum

Supervisor: István Kovács

Referee:  Raúl Caiz, Sr.

Judges:  Zoltan Enyedi (118-109), Rafael Ramos (118-109) and Takeshi Shimakawa (117-109)

Result:  WBO Flyweight Champion, Juan Francisco Estrada, won over the mandatory challenger, Milan Melindo by unanimous decision.

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Fotos:  Chris Farina / Top Rank —  El mexicano Juan Francisco “Gallo” Estrada se impuso sobre el por entonces invicto filipino Milan Melindo, por puntos, en un amplio fallo unánime, tras doce asaltos, y así defendió por primera ocasión sus títulos mundiales mosca de la Asociación Mundial de Boxeo (AMB) y la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB), en uno de los combates estelares de la velada desarrollada en la noche del sábado en el Cotai Arena de Venetian Casino & Resort de Macao, China.

Estrada dominó ampliamente a Melindo con su velocidad de desplazamientos para entrar y salir en la media y corta distancia donde aplicó la contundencia de su gran cantidad de envíos, que lastimaron a su rival.

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Con sus derechas e izquierdas cruzadas y ascendentes al rostro, sumados a sus ganchos al cuerpo, fue sacando cada vez más ventajas para consolidar un tan amplio como merecido triunfo. Incluso en el undécimo capítulo, el “Gallo” conectó un veloz y potente cross derecho a la mandíbula de un filipino que se fue a la lona.

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Tras ello, el campeón siguió llevando su dominio y castigando a placer a un retador que aguantó valientemente de pie lo que por momentos fue un intenso golpeo, pero sin respuestas, por lo que terminó visiblemente lastimado.

Las tarjetas de los jueces expresaron la diferencia exhibida, al decretar: Takeshi Shimakawa (Japón) 117-109, Zoltan Enyedi (Hungría) 118-109, Rafael Ramos (Puerto Rico) 118-109, todas para Estrada.De esta forma, Estrada retuvo por primera vez los títulos que conquistó el pasado 6 de abril al destronar en fallo dividido al hawaiano Brian Viloria en este mismo escenario, y aumenta su marca a 25 victorias (18 KOs) y 2 derrotas. En tanto Melindo, que llegaba a su primera oportunidad mundialista como N° 1 del ranking mundial mosca OMB y N° 9 de la AMB, pierde su invicto, y desmejora a 29 triunfos (12 KOs), y 1 revés.

http://www.notifight.com/artman2/publish/Resultado_2/Estrada_retuvo_amplio_sobre_Melindo.php

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Por Carlos Costa en Macao, China, costa@notifight.com –

MACAO, China  –  El Gallo y Melindo en peso.  Tanto el campeón del mundo Juan Francisco “Gallo” Estrada de México como su retador Filipino Milan Melindo pesaron 111.60 lbs (50,62 kilos) para su compromiso titular mañana (Sábado) en el Cotai Arena del Venetian Hotel en Macao, China.

El Gallo Estrada, el orgullo de Hermosillo, Sonora México se vio en magnifica forma para su importante refriega ante el retador mandatorio No. 1 de la OMB Milan Melindo (29-0, 12 KOs).

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Es la primera defensa del Gallito Estrada tras haber conquistado la corona del mundo al vencer en gran combate al fuerte veterano Brian Viloria.    En ese combate el Mexicano domino al filipino Viloria con su buen boxeo, excelente jab, uppers y tiros a la sección media.

En el ultimo round de la memorable refriega, el Gallo estuvo a punto de noquear al Viloria quien realmente fue salvado por el arbitro quien intervino en un momento en el que el Filipino estaba a punto de sucumbir.

La puntuación mas correcta pareció ser 117-111 a favor del Mexicano, votación compartida por uno de los jueces y por el casi siempre acertado Dr. Lamazon; inexplicable un juez vio vencedor a Viloria por lo que el triunfo de Estrada sobre Viloria fue una victoria por decisión dividida.

gallo_estrada_and_carlos_4  Cómo un juez vio vencedor al Filipino Viloria?   No se comprende, en especial porque los mismos Filipinos gallardamente han admitido que Estrada fue muy superior a Viloria esa noche.

Podrá el Gallito estrada vencer al también Filipino Milan Melindo en Macao?

Muchos fans esperan un gran triunfo del Gallito Juan Francisco Estrada.   Una razón porque es un hermano latino.   Otra razón:  porque muchos fans esperan ver a finales del 2013 el Gallito Estrada vs Tyson Márquez.

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El gallito Estrada no esta solo.  Esta acompañado de gente que lo apoya y lo quiere.   En una imagen superior lo vemos con su experimentado entrenador Alfredo Caballero, su manejador Juan Hernández, Brenda Bonilla y la gente de Latin Sports.

El retador Filipino Melindo es mas chaparro que el Gallito, pero es un peleador rápido e invicto con 29 triunfos.   Este filipino también se noto en buena forma, listo para desafiar ante Mexicano.

El combate Estrada-Melindo por el titulo mosca de la AMB/OMB es una producción de Top Rank que sera vista por HBO PPV en Estados Unidos y por Azteca 7 en México.

REPORTE Y FOTOS:  CARLOS COSTA DE NOTIFIGHT

http://www.notifight.com/artman2/publish/Pesaje_24/Estrada_111_6_Melindo_111_6_en_Macao.php

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By Jake Donovan –

Milan Melindo is as humble as he is talented. The unbeaten Filipino flyweight was in awe during his first trip to Macau, appearing on the undercard of Zou Shiming’s pro debut this past April.

Aside from Shiming’s predicted win, the first ever card at the Venetian Macao was a night of upsets and other unexpected outcomes. Among them was Melindo’s whirlwind performance, a four-round knockout of Tommy Seran to improve his record to 29-0 (12KO).

The 25-year old knew he needed to deliver something spectacular in order to get people talking. That three-knockdown effort has allowed his career to come full circle; he returns to Macau this weekend, where he will face Juan Estrada for a pair of flyweight titles.

The bout airs on ABS-CBN in Melindo’s native Philippines and via same-day tape delay on HBO2 (5:30PM ET) in the United States.

“This fight, I predicted before I left the United States, will be a candidate for Fight of the Year,” promoter Bob Arum believes. “It matches the pride of the Philippines – you saw him on the card in April – Milan Melindo against the champion Juan Francisco Estrada. This is a can’t miss action fight.”

Estrada won the belts on that very same April show, scoring a major upset over Brian Viloria to lay his claim as one of the best flyweights in the world. Melindo paid attention that bout, as well as what the flyweights had to say during the press conference leading up to the fight.

“In my last fight here in Venetian Macao last April, in the same conference, I was standing (in the crowd) watching the people standing (on stage) and speaking,” Melindo recalls of the event. “I stood there thinking, someday I will be here on this stage to stand and speak.

“Now I’m here to let everyone know that I am Milan Melindo.”

http://www.boxingscene.com/milan-melindo-ready-prove-worth-on-world-title-stage–68015

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By:  Ronnie Nathanielsz –

Undefeated Milan Melindo, mandatory challenger to WBO/WBA flyweight champion Juan Francisco Estrada is fit and ready to go in their title fight scheduled at the Cotai Arena of the Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino in Macau on Saturday in an exciting fight card to be telecast by ABS-CBN on Sunday at 10:15 a.m, over Channel 2 with a replay on Studio 23 and global coverage over The Filipino Channel, TFC.

ALA Gym head trainer Edito “Ala” Villamor told the Manila Standard from Macau that Melindo is “ready na ready” after some light training in which he “did some jogging, shadow boxing and worked on the punch-mitts.”

Villamor said they also “lectured on the strategy” for the fight which is expected to be a tough one against Estrada who won the title from Brian Viloria last April 6 at the same arena, coming on strong in the championship rounds to clinch the victory.

Villamor said Melindo has been training harder than ever in his two-year quest for the world title and knows he is in for a hard fight.

He said the 25 year old Melindo who has a record of 29-0 with 12 knockouts “is in great shape, his conditioning is good and he’s ready to get the title.” The 23 year old Estrada who will be making his first title defense and has a record of 24-2 with 18 knockouts also had a light workout last night at the Venetian Hotel and looked good.

Headlining the card is two-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time World Amateur Champion Zou Shiming who will take on Mexico’s Jesus Ortega.

http://philboxing.com/news/story-85455.html

 

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By:  Ronnie Nathanielsz –

2012 “Trainer of the Year” Robert Garcia has sounded a note of caution for mandatory flyweight challenger Milan Melindo who battles WBO/WBA champion Juan Francisco Estrada of Mexico at the Cotai Arena of the Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino on Saturday.

Garcia noted in a wide-ranging conversation with the Manila Standard that Estrada “comes on strong in the later rounds.”

Garcia who will be in Macau along with Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios and will watch the Top Rank fights along with eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao whom Rios will face on November 24 in the same venue, noted that when Estrada beat Brian Viloria to win the title last April 6 “he played it smart in the later rounds and pulled it off.”

Garcia believes the Viloria fight was “very close and Estrada showed tremendous heart” but that he feels Viloria who is “very skillful maybe fought the wrong fight” which was the consensus of many at ringside who had Viloria out-boxing the Mexican in the first half of the fight but making the mistake of trying to slug it out and faded in the championship rounds just like he did when he lost the IBF light flyweight title to Carlos Tamara.

Garcia said Viloria had trouble when he faded in the Tamara fight but “looked sensational when he knocked out Ulises “Archie” Solis in the 11th round to win the IBF flyweight title on April 19, 2009 at the Araneta Coliseum.

The respected trainer who handles his younger brother and WBO world featherweight champion Mikey Garcia and former WBO, Ring Magazine super bantamweight champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire, told the Standard that “if there is a rematch Viloria will beat Estrada. I really like Brian and he should be back on top of the world.”

Garcia said Viloria’s loss to Estrada was “something that happens. It’s happened to many fighters.”

Both Melindo and Estrada are in Macau with the undefeated Filipino tapering down while Estrada, according to boxing writer Carlos Costa of Panama, reportedly looked sharp and focused during a training session with head trainer Alfredo Caballero, shadow boxing, working on the punch-mitts and hitting the speed ball and the heavy bag.

http://philboxing.com/news/story-85418.html

Milan_Melindo-1   SERVANIA

Estrada now in Macau, vows to bring titles back to Mexico

By:  Dale G. Rosal –

Undefeated WBO Intercontinental Flyweight champion Milan “El Metodico” Melindo will depart for Macau, China today along with fellow ALA Gym stalwart and WBO Asia Pacific Bantamweight champion Genesis “Azukal” Servania for their upcoming mega bouts on July 27 at the Cotai Arena of the Venetian Casino and Resort in Macau.

According to ALA Boxing Promotions Vice President Dennis Cañete, Melindo and Servania will be accompanied by their trainer Edito Villamor, assistant trainer Robert Labanza, the team’s nutritionist Abet Biagan and assistant trainer Michael Domingo. ALA Boxing Promotions CEO and President Michael Aldeguer and Cañete will follow them to Macau this Tuesday.

Melindo (29-0, 12KOs) will battle Mexican World Boxing Organization (WBO) and World Boxing Association (WBA) flyweight titleholder Juan Francisco Estrada in the main event of Bob Arum’s Top Rank Promotions card while Servania (21-0, 8 KOs) will go up against Konosuke Tomiyama (23-5-1, 8 KOs) of Japan in a 10-round bout.

Melindo and Servania just wrapped up their rigid training this week under the supervision of Villamor with both boxers saying they have acquired new skills which would greatly help them beat their opponents.

“I believe they are one hundred percent prepared mentally and physically,” Villamor said. “I think we will have light training for the rest of the week before the official weigh-in,” he added.

Estrada won the two world titles in a unification bout against Filipino Brian “Hawaiian Punch” Viloria last April also in Macau where Melindo fought in the undercard beating Indonesian Tommy Seran via fourth round TKO.

Both boxers admitted that they are excited about their respective bouts.

Melindo is excited to fight and beat Estrada to bring the two titles back to the Philippines while Servania is excited as this is his first ever international fight.

Servania defended his regional title against Indonesians Angky Angkotta and Isaac Junior earlier this year.

ESTRADA LEAVES FOR MACAU

Meanwhile, Estrada is already en route to Macau for the first defense of his world titles.

According to a report posted on philboxing.com by Carlos Costa, Estrada (24-2, 18 KOs) appeared in high spirits as he walked towards his flight’s gate at Mexico’s Benito Juárez International Airport.

The 23-year-old world champion from Sonora, Mexico, is accompanied by his experienced team, which plans to fine-tune Estrada’s preparations in Macau.

“I am so motivated to make my first defense. I have done a good training and it will show in the ring. We will bring our two belts back to Mexico. I share my titles with my team and with the people of Mexico who support me,” said Estrada.

Should the Mexican beat Melindo, his promoters plan a blockbuster all-Mexican affair between “El Gallo” Estrada and popular former world champion Hernán “Tyson” Márquez.

Estrada, promoted by Zanfer Boxing and Top Rank, will be seen in action on July 27 on HBO in the United States and TV Azteca 7 in México. /with carlos costa of philboxing.com

According to ALA Boxing Promotions Vice President Dennis Cañete, Melindo and Servania will be accompanied by their trainer Edito Villamor, assistant trainer Robert Labanza, the team’s nutritionist Abet Biagan and assistant trainer Michael Domingo. ALA Boxing Promotions CEO and President Michael Aldeguer and Cañete will follow them to Macau this Tuesday.

Melindo (29-0, 12KOs) will battle Mexican World Boxing Organization (WBO) and World Boxing Association (WBA) flyweight titleholder Juan Francisco Estrada in the main event of Bob Arum’s Top Rank Promotions card while Servania (21-0, 8 KOs) will go up against Konosuke Tomiyama (23-5-1, 8 KOs) of Japan in a 10-round bout.

Melindo and Servania just wrapped up their rigid training this week under the supervision of Villamor with both boxers saying they have acquired new skills which would greatly help them beat their opponents.

“I believe they are one hundred percent prepared mentally and physically,” Villamor said. “I think we will have light training for the rest of the week before the official weigh-in,” he added.

Estrada won the two world titles in a unification bout against Filipino Brian “Hawaiian Punch” Viloria last April also in Macau where Melindo fought in the undercard beating Indonesian Tommy Seran via fourth round TKO.

Both boxers admitted that they are excited about their respective bouts.

Melindo is excited to fight and beat Estrada to bring the two titles back to the Philippines while Servania is excited as this is his first ever international fight.

Servania defended his regional title against Indonesians Angky Angkotta and Isaac Junior earlier this year.

milanmelindo.image

By Ronnie Nathanielsz –

Undefeated Milan Melindo, the mandatory challenger for the WBO flyweight title of Mexico’s Juan Franciscio Estrada is prepared for war against the champion who won the WBO/WBA titles with an impressive win over Brian Viloria last April 6 in Macau.

Melindo will face Estrada at the same Cotai Arena in the Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino but isn’t fazed by the challenge.

ALA Promotions premier trainer Edito “Ala” Villamor told BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard they would leave for Macau on Sunday “to wind down training, adjust to the climate and environment and get ready for war.”

Villamor said Melindo is in “great condition and mentally prepared” like he always is.
Melindo who scored a smashing 4th round TKO over Indonesian toughie Tommy Seran (23-1, 14 KO’s)  on the undercard of the Estrada-Viloria title fight , impressed Top Rank promoter Bob Arum with his showing to earn the title shot on a blockbuster card that will be telecast on July 24 at 10:15 a.m. over ABS-CBN Channel 2 with a replay on Studio 23 and coverage over The Filipino Channel worldwide.

Villamor said Melindo had watched the Estrada-Viloria fight live in Macau and also reviewed some of his fight tapes. He said they saw some flaws and would capitalize on them on fight night.

However, Villamor conceded that “Estrada is fast and this will be a hard fight. But if he’s tough, we are tougher.”

The 23 year old Mexican champion has a record of 24-2 with 18 knockouts while the 25 year old Melindo, regarded as a technically efficient boxer sports a record of 29-0 with 12 knockouts.

http://www.boxingscene.com/team-melindo-estrada-tough-we-tougher–67772

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A disciplined no-nonsense fighter, undefeated Milan Melindo is determined to regain the WBO/WBA flyweight titles for the Philippines when he faces Mexico’s Juan Francisco Estrada at the Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino in Macau on July 27.

Estrada won the title from another Filipino, Brian Viloria, at the same venue last April 6 and mandatory challenger Melindo wants to bring the title back to the Philippines.

Trainer Edito “Ala” Villamor told the Manila Standard that Melindo has been training harder than ever because he knows he’s in for a tough fight against Estrada but that Melindo is in great shape and they have concentrated on his conditioning.

Villamor told us Melindo “is in great shape, his conditioning is good and he’s ready to get the title.”

The 25 year old Melindo has a record of 29-0 with 12 knockouts while the 23 year old Estrada’s record is 24-2 with 18 knockouts.

Top Rank promoter said the Top Rank promotion is “doing even better than the last time” when Viloria lost his WBO/WBA titles to Estrada in a tough fight.

The fight card will be telecast by the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN on Sunday, July 28 at 10:15 a.m.

Eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao who will return to the ring on November 23 against Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios at the same venue, will be at special ringside for the fights following a news conference earlier in the afternoon.

http://philboxing.com/news/story-85031.html

Milanmelindo

Photo: googleimages/wow.cdo.com –

Monday, May 27, 2013

PREPARATION and strategy are always the keys to a victory in any fight.

ALA Gym head coach Edito Villamor has already devised a game plan, while Milan Melindo has been working extra hard in the gym ahead of his world title fight two months from now.

“His training is going great. We have been doing physical and endurance training for almost a month. We have started spar play in preparation for the start of sparring next week,” Villamor told Sun.Star Cebu yesterday.

Melindo is challenging Juan Francisco Estrada for his World Boxing Organization and World Boxing Association flyweight belts on July 27 at the Cotai Arena of the Venetian Casino and Resort in Macau.

Villamor and Melindo both believe that they have Estrada all figured out. They feel that Estrada’s weakness is his body, which was also his main arsenal when he beat Brian Viloria.

“He has improved his power but we are preparing to go the distance. We plan to outbox the whole 12-round fight but if there is an opportunity, we will go all out. We are also improving the toughness of Milan’s body,” said Villamor. “Our plan is to use blocking defense then counter punch to the body but it depends on the actual fight and what will be the opening. Or maybe we could fight from the distance so that Estrada won’t be able to use his body punches.”

The 23-year-old Estrada used some vicious blows to the body to weaken Viloria and walk away with a tight split decision to win the twin titles last month, also in Macau. Melindo was also victorious on that same night, when he stopped Indonesian Tommy Seran in four rounds.

The 24-year-old Melindo is unbeaten with an impressive 29-0 slate with 12 knockouts, while Estrada is 24-2 with 18 knockouts.

Unbeaten Genesis Servania (20-0, 8 KOs) is also slated in the same blockbuster Macau card against Japanese former world title challenger Konosuke Tomiyama (23-5-1, 8 KOs).

Servania, who will make his international debut, is off a dominant third round knockout over Indonesian prospect Isack Junior last Saturday night at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu City.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/sports/2013/05/27/preparation-key-284472

JOSE FCO. ESTRADA

La Función “Fist of Gold II” tendrá como uno de los platillos fuertes el regreso del mexicano Juan Francisco “El Gallito” Estrada, quien expondrá sus coronas de peso Mosca de la Asociación Mundial de Boxeo (AMB) y de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB) ante el filipino Milan Melindo el 27 de julio en la CotaiArena en Macao.

Estrada (22-2, 17 KOs), oriundo de Hermosillo, Sonora, conquistó el campeonato de peso Mosca de la OMB y AMB el 6 de abril en Macao al derrotar por puntos Brian Viloria.

‘El Gallito’ expondrá su corona contra el invicto Melindo (28-0, 11 KOs) de Manadue, Filipinas, quien es el primer clasificado de la OMB en las 112 libras y quien viene de propinar un espectacular nocaut a Tommy Seran.

Por otra parte, el segundo capítulo de la era de Zou Shiming, el dos veces Campeón Olímpico y tres veces Campeón Mundial Amateur comenzará cuando enfrente en pelea a seis rounds a  Jesus ‘Jibarito’ Ortega (3-1, 2 KOs) de Hermosillo, Sonora.

“Los combates que es estarán disputando en la CotaiArena del Venetian en Macao es muestra que el boxeo es un deporte de gran importancia en todo el mundo”, dijo el legendario promotor, Bob Arum de Top Rank.

“Después del exitoso debut de Zou Shiming el pasado mes de abril, no nos queda ninguna duda que este es la clase de evento que queremos presentar aquí en Macao y le da variedad al tipo de entretenimiento que presentamos”. dijo Edward Tracy, Presidente y Jefe Ejecutivo de Sands China Ltd.

Zou (1-0), de Guizhou, China, ganó su primera pelea profesional el 6 de abril en Macao al vencer por puntos al mexicano Eleazar Valenzuela. El popular peleador de China obtuvo tres medallas Olímpicas, dos de ellas de Oro en los Olímpicos del 2008 y 2012, además de haberse coronado en tres torneos mundiales en las 108 libras.

“Me gustó mucho el trabajo que hizo Shiming y todo lo que aprendió durante nuestro primer campo de entrenamiento. Aún tenemos mucho que trabajar pero es boxeador que aprende rápido y estoy seguro que seguirá mejorando”, dijo el legendario entrenador Freddie Roach, sobre su pupilo.

También estará en acción el peso Completo mexicano Andy Ruiz, Jr. (18-0, 12 KOs), de Mexicali, Baja California, quien se enfrentara a Joe Hanks (21-0, 14 KOs) de Los Ángeles, California.

The World Boxing Organization has directed WBO/WBA flyweight champion Brian Viloria to face No.1 ranked Milan Melindo in a mandatory title defense.

ALA Promotions  president Michael Aldeguer told the Manila Standard that it was decided at the recent convention that the winner of the Viloria-Hernan “Tyson” Marquez fight which Viloria won by a rousing 10th round TKO has to face No.1 contender Milan Melindo.

Aldeguer said they would have to “start the negotiations within 30 days and by next week we will most probably send a letter to the camp of Viloria and see what their plans are.”

He said they have “another 90 days to make the fight happen.”

Aldeguer said he doesn’t know what Viloria’s plans are but the fight has been mandated by the WBO.

Aldeguer said that while the clash with “Tyson” Marquez was a hard fight for Viloria “he fought a terrific fight and has developed a lot. He’s got the experience and also the speed and power.”

With talk about a big fight against light flyweight champion Roman “Chocalatito” Gonzalez, there is a feeling that Viloria may give up his WBO title instead of defending it against a fellow Filipino and instead retain his WBA title.

Aldeguer said that at Brian’s age (31) “I’m sure he wants the biggest fight out there.”

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=59552

http://www.notifight.com/artman2/uploads/10/IMG_1605_notifight.jpg
CEBU, Filipinas  –  El Venezolano Jean Piero Pérez y su peligroso rival Filipino Milán Melindo estuvieron cara-a-cara por primera vez durante interesante conferencia de prensa realizada hoy en el lujoso Waterfront Hotel & Casino en Cebu, Filipinas.

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Melindo con su promotor Michael Aldeguer

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Jean Piero Perez con su entrenador Francisco “Tolete” Arroyo

Pérez, ex miembro del equipo nacional de boxeo de Venezuela, retara al invicto campeón Melindo por el cetro internacional mosca de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB) este Sábado por la noche (Sábado por la mañana en Latino América).

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Melindo y Jean Piero se miran a los ojos

Melindo, quien ha doblegado a todos los peleadores Latinos a los que ha enfrentado, varios de ellos ex campeones del mundo, declaro durante la conferencia que aspira retar al duro campeón mundial mosca de la FIB Moruti Mthalane de Sudáfrica.

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El combate a 12 rounds es por el titulo Internacional de Melindo

Pero para ello, Melindo (27-0, 11KO’s) tendrá primero que pasarle por encima del Venezolano, tarea que pueda resultar ser nada facil.

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Melindo y Jean Piero se dan la mano al concluir la conferencia en el día de hoy

“A Melindo le va a salir una bruja, es lo que va a pasar.  Se corren a robo (los Filipinos) que van a noquear a mi pupilo Jean Piero.  Cuidado que es al revés.  Jean Piero pelea, da duro.   No se echa y esta en buenas condiciones.  Va a ser un peleon”, dijo el cotizado profesor panameño Francisco “Tolete” Arroyo, entrenador del Venezolano.

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El Venezolano orgulloso de su bandera.  “Gloria al Bravo Pueblo”

Jean Piero Perez, quien efímeramente reino como campeón interino mosca de la AMB, tiene ante si la oportunidad de volver a las grandes ligas de la categoría mosca.

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Melindo y Jean Piero con otros peleadores de la cartilla

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Jean Piero Pérez con el púgil Japones Myung Ho Lee (15-1, 5KO’s), quien en la misma cartilla retara al Filipino Rocky Fuentes por el titulo  mosca OPBF

La razón:  Melindo es el clasificado mundial mosca #1 de la OMB, altamente ranqueado en todos los organismos rectores del boxeo mundial.

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Jean Piero (a la izquierda) con Mr. Win, activo ‘matchmaker’ Tailandes.

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Matchmaker Tailandes (a la izquierda) con el panameño Carlos Costa, Asia editor de Notifight

El pesaje oficial se realizara mañana al mediodía en el salón de eventos del SM Mall Cebu, importante evento en el que Notifight, estará presente.

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Jean Piero posa para la camara de la television Filipina canal ABS CBN

El combate Melindo-Perez, programado para este Sábado por la noche, es el plato fuerte de la cartilla “Pinoy Pride XVI: Venezuela Invasion”, producida por ALA Promotions en asociación con el canal de TV Filipino ABS CBN y la bebida deportiva “Cobra Drink”.

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Jean Piero Perez (19-4-1, 14KO’s), retador al titulo Internacional Mosca de la OMB

Por: Carlos Costas

http://www.notifight.com/artman2/publish/Reporte_7/Melindo-JP_P_rez_Cara-a-Cara_en_Filipinas.php


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Cebu, Filipinas – El ex campeón mundial venezolano Jean Piero Pérez, ranqueado N° 4 en la Asociación Mundial de Boxeo (AMB), lució en excelente forma durante entrenamiento público que realizó en la tarde de hoy en el SM Mall en promoción de su pelea de título internacional mosca de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB) ante el invicto filipino Milan Melindo este sábado en Cebu, Filipinas.

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Jean Piero hizo ejercicios de calentamiento, sombra, dos sesiones de dos minutos de guanteleta (manoplas) con su entrenador panameño Francisco “Tolete” Arroyo, y concluyó con una sola sesión de 15 minutos de soga.

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El venezolano está siendo asistido en Filipinas por el experimentado galeno panameño Lucio Lan Mejia quien supervisa su salud en general, peso y alimentación.

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Entrenador panameño Francisco “Tolete” Arroyo

El combate ante el invicto campeón internacional Milan “El Metódico” Melindo (27-0, 11 KOs), es la gran oportunidad para Jean Piero Pérez (19-4-1, 14 KOs) de volver a los primeros planos del boxeo mundial.

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Melindo ocupa el puesto N° 1 de la categoría mosca de la OMB, el N° 4 en el AMB, N° 6 en el Consejo Mundial de Boxeo (WBC), y N° 10 en la Federación Internacional de Boxeo (FIB).

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“Estoy muy motivado por esta oportunidad de enfrentar a Melindo aquí en Filipinas.  Tengo condiciones, experiencia y un buen equipo de trabajo para llevarme la victoria”, dijo el venezolano ex campeón del mundo.

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Por: Carlos Costa

FOTOS CARLOS COSTA EDITOR ASIA NOTIFIGHT.COM

http://www.notifight.com/artman2/publish/Reporte_7/JP_P_rez_entrena_para_Melindo_en_Filipinas.php

 

Former world champion Jean Piero Perez is set to arrive in Cebu this Sunday together with the rest of his team.

The Venezuelan Perez is scheduled to face WBO number one flyweight contender Milan “El Metodico” Melindo for the WBO international flyweight title in the Pinoy Pride XVI: Philippines vs. Venezuela on Sept. 22 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Perez (13 wins-3 losses-1 draw, 5KOs) will be joined by his trainer Francisco Arroyo and team member Lucio Lam Mejia. They are set to arrive at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport aboard Philippine Airlines flight PR855.

Team Perez will be appearing in a series of press appearances next week at the Baseline Restaurant. Perez became popular after he won the WBA flyweight title via unanimous decision over Mexican Jesus Jimenez in Guadalajara, Mexico last year.

Melindo defends the title he won after defeating Colombian Jesus Geles in Manila last June and will also stake his undefeated record of 27 wins with 11 knockouts against Perez.

The Cagayan de Oro native Melindo is confident of a successful title defense after saying that Perez’s style suits his moves.

Melindo will be having a public workout this Saturday afternoon in SM City Consolacion together with the ALA boxers who will be fighting in the undercard.

Ticket are available at the ALA Boxing and Fitness Gym at the Banilad Town Center, Cebu Grand Hotel and Baseline Restaurant in Juana Osmeña, Cebu City.

By: Dale G. Rosal

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/270392/milans-opponent-to-arrive-sunday

ALA Promotions is set to embark into a Philippine-wide tour starting this November.

People from the provinces all over the Philippines will finally get the opportunity to meet the ALA Stars Two-division World Champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes, WBO World # 1 and world championship bound AJ “Bazooka” Banal, IBF World # 4 Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista, WBO World # 1 Milan “El Metodico” Melindo, WBO International Jr. Welterweight Champion Jason “El Nino” Pagara, WBO Asia Pacific Champion Genesis “Azukal” Servania and WBA #2, WBA and WBO # 3 Rocky Road Warrior” Fuentes will take part of this tour in selected provinces throughout Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

ALA STARS PROVINCIAL TOUR is part of ALA Promotions way of giving back to the nationwide boxing fans that have supported the ALA Boxing Stars and have successfully made the Pinoy Pride boxing series featured on ABS-CBN Channel 2 the number 1 Sunday daytime television program for the 5th straight time.

The Pinoy Pride boxing mega series on television has beaten regular Sunday daytime ratings frontrunners, ASAP 2012, Kapuso Movie Festival, The Buzz and other celebrity driven television programs on television putting out double figure ratings way ahead of the aforementioned shows.

The ALA STARS PROVINCIAL TOUR likewise aims to give the loyal Filipino boxing fans the chance to see their favorite ALA boxing champions in the flesh.

This ALA Promotions roadshow will allow the people in the provinces to experience live quality action between the ALA Stars against international competition in action packed non-title match-ups.

These boxing bouts are to prepare the ALA Stars for the bigger Pinoy Pride world-class events in the future that will surely be a treat for boxing fans and would be fans alike in the selected provinces where the ALA STARS TOUR make stops.

“This is ALA Promotions and our fighters way of saying thank you to the loyal boxing fans from the far provinces that have supported us through the years and has contributed to the remarkable ratings of Pinoy Pride” Said ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael Aldeguer.

MILAN Melindo could earn his long overdue world title shot soon as ALA Promotions sent a letter to the World Boxing Organization (WBO) to require Brian Viloria to defend his crown.
ALA Promotions sent a letter to the WBO two weeks ago after Melindo’s impressive first round stoppage over former world champion Jesus Geles last June 3. ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer is optimistic that the WBO will order Viloria, the WBO flyweight champion, and No. 1 ranked flyweight Melindo to face each other in a mandatory world title fight within the year.
 
“Based on the policy, the mandatory fight is due. Plus the fact that Milan knocked out Geles, who was rated in the top 10 of the WBO, strengthens the position of Milan,” Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu.
An order by the WBO should dismiss the possibility of a bout between the 31-year-old Viloria and undefeated Nicaraguan star Roman Gonzalez.
Aldeguer is interested to promote the probable all-Filipino clash between Viloria and Melindo. However, ALA Promotions won’t start the negotiations until he receives the mandate from the WBO.
“We would like to promote the fight. It should be staged in Manila, either at the Araneta Coliseum or the MOA Arena,” he said. “We cannot move unless there is a go signal from the WBO,”
Although at this point nothing is definite, Aldeguer hopes that Melindo’s shot comes sooner than later.
“It’s difficult to say but we hope to make it happen this year. But it will all depend on the WBO or the plans of Team Viloria.”
Viloria is 31-3 with 18 knockouts and has been riding on a five-fight winning streak, beating some of the elite names of his division in his last three fights like Giovani Segura, Julio Cesar Miranda and Omar Niño Romero.

Milan “Metodico” Melindo made it a very short night for Jesus Geles of Colombia. Hooks to the ribs sent Geles down three times in round one. Referee Danrex Tapdasan stopped the carnage at 2:21. Melindo remains unbeaten in 27 fights and won the WBO International flyweight belt. He also scored an impressive win against a former interim world champion.

By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.

http://philboxing.com/news/story-70870.html

THE next best thing to a world title shot is facing an opponent who has experienced being at the top. That is what’s in store for the unbeaten Milan Melindo, as he patiently waits for his moment to wear the coveted crown.

The 24-year-old world-rated tactician is taking a cerebral approach to the ring as the supporting main event of the 14th installment of the popular “Pinoy Pride” series, headlined by a world title clash between World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight champion Donnie Nietes and Felipe Salguero, on June 2 at the Resorts World Hotel and Casino in Pasay City.

Melindo defends his Inter-Continental flyweight belt and is also gunning for the vacant WBO International flyweight belt against ex-WBO light flyweight king Jesus Geles.

“Any fight against a former world champion will always be tough. I can’t say if his next fight will be for a world title as we are just waiting for the offer as Milan is now WBO No. 1,” ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu.

The outcome of WBO flyweight champion Brian Viloria’s upcoming title defense against Mexican rival Omar Nino Romero on May 12 would somehow dictate Melindo’s title hopes.

“Milan wants to fight for a world title and we believe he is ready. We are just waiting for the right opportunity,” said Aldeguer, who isn’t too keen of an all-Filipino war between Melindo and Viloria.

Melindo, 26-0 with 10 knockouts, is rated No. 1 in the WBO, No. 7 in World Boxing Council, No. 8 in the International Boxing Federation and No. 9 in the World Boxing Association.

Geles, 24, is on a comeback trail after losing a fourth round knockout to Ramon Garcia in their rematch last year. Geles won the interim WBO light flyweight belt in 2010 after beating Omar Soto by majority decision, he successfully defended his interim crown with a razor-thin split decision over Garcia. After being declared the regular champion, Geles bowed down to Garcia in their rematch. The Columbian owns a 13-2-1 record with five knockouts.

“It will be an interesting tactical fight as both can box and brawl. It will depend on who will be more calculated,” said Aldeguer.

There is a moment in every young prospects career that he is given a grizzled veteran as a measuring stick if he truly is the real deal. This is the opportunity for unbeaten Genesis Servania to prove his worth as he trades leathers with battle-scarred former world title challenger Genaro Garcia in the undercard of “Pinoy Pride 14”.

“It’s a risky fight for Servania but that’s the only way to find out if he is ready to go to the next level. In ‘Pinoy Pride’ the goal is to feature great fights that fans could be excited about. Yes it is for a WBC regional title,” said Aldeguer.

Everything is falling into place for WBO Intercontinental flyweight champion Milan “El Metodico” Melindo of the ALA Boxing stable. Last weekend, Melindo raised his record to a spotless 25-0 with his tenth knockout, this one over an unpredictable Juan Esquer. This lines Melindo up for a world title shot.

“The title fight will come, God will grant me that eventually,” Melindo said. “We will just follow the plan and have one or two more fights before we think about that.”

Melindo seems to have really found his identity as a boxer. He moved up in weight in 2010, and stuck to his technical, deliberate style with great success. He even changed his monicker from “Milenyo” to “El Metodico” or “Method Man” to fit. After all, he didn’t fight like a storm, and didn’t want to grab the name of a typhoon that devastated a great part of the country.

Meanwhile, though Esquer has had an up and down career the last few years, he did not come with a flimsy resume.In fact, “Panterita” or little panther has fought six opponents who would become world champions, beating future WBO minimumweight champion Kermin Guardia and drawing with eventual WBC light flyweight king Gilberto Keb Baas. He also said he didn’t care whose territory he was fighting in, he was there to knock Melindo out.

Even before the fight, you could see the contrast between the two. Melindo was reserved, just loosely moving about in his corner, while Esquer, clearly nervous, was bouncing around the ring as if he had just had a gallon of coffee. Fans did not expect a quick knockout because that was not Melindo’s style. But nobody expected the bizarre ending, either.

Melindo started off at his normal pace, bringing the fight to the Mexican, using his left jab to great effect, repeatedly forcing the Mexican back. The jittery challenger was throwing a messy variety of punches mostly off the mark. Some time in the second round, Esquer started complaining of low blows from Melindo, even ones that barely grazed his hip. Melindo was throwing an impressive mix of hooks and uppercuts with machine-like precision that clearly bothered his opponent.

A couple of round later, Melindo threw a body shot that went barely south of Esquer’s beltline. The punch was not even a real power shot. Ater a split second, Esquer decides to crumple to the canvas as if he had been castrated. He squirmed, grimaced, frowned, howled, squealed, and put on a really big show. Even his cornermen were laughing. Referee Danrex Tapdasan gave him time to recover, and sent Melindo to a neutral corner with a second warning.

Esquer pretended to stand thrice, then slumped back to the canvas squirming in faked pain. After more than three minutes, he got up, shaking his head as if still hurting, and the fight continued.

“He was trying to do something because I could feel he was getting tired,” Melindo told this writer in the vernacular after the fight. “It was a matter of time before I would beat him.”

The crowd at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu was howling, booing, yelling invectives at the challenger. When the fight continued, Esquer tried to show that the champion’s blows weren’t bothering him. Then at close quarters in the seventh round, it was Esquer that threw a clear low blow. Melindo complained, but since the referee hadn’t stepped in, kept fighting. The Filipino hit Esquer in the chest, and Esquer went down, writhing in pain and claiming it was a low blow. His own chief second asked Tapdasan to stop the fight. Esquer quickly left the ring to a mix of boos and jeers.

“My focus was really to follow the plan, look foropenings,” admitted Melindo. “I tried not to mind his antics, but stay focused on doing my job.”

Melindo’s humility, focus and patience are also born of lessons learned, like the time his stablemate AJ Banal, then 19, stepped into the ring against Rafael Concepcion in 2008 for the interim WBA world super flyweight title. At the time Banal, now WBO Asia Pacific bantamweight king, had overtrained, and ran out of gas by the eighth round. He was knocked out in the tenth. It is still Banal’s only defeat to date.

Milan Melindo is biding his time. Whether it’s against WBO flyweight champion and countryman Brian Viloria or someone else, he knows he will be ready. He wants to get there and stay there for a very long time.

 

By: Bill Velasco

http://www.philstar.com/sportsarticle.aspx?articleid=774267&publicationsubcategoryid=69

 

WBO Intercontinental flyweight champion Milan “El Metodico” Melindo of the famed ALA Gym pulverized Mexico’s rugged Juan Esquer to win by a 7th round TKO before a huge crowd at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu.

Fight fans learned that boxing was more fun in the Philippines when they were treated to a ridiculous acting job by Esquer who got hit with a left that was on the lower end of his high-rise trunks in the dying seconds of the sixth round, went down, crawled all over the canvas in a show of agony, got up and fell down more than once as the crowd booed the Mexican who has a history of such antics in the ring, lustily.

Given a mandatory five minute break to recover, the Mexican came charging back in the final seconds of the round much to the delight of the fans and belying the pretense that he was badly hurt.

Early in round seven Esquer caught Melindo with a clear low blow that appeared to be intentional and then when he realized it was a lost cause and Melindo caught him with a left to the chest, he feigned a low blow before his corner decided to call it quits and referee Danrex Tapdasan ended the contest at 2:16 of the 7th round.

It was as classic a display of skill as the technically sound Melindo used his hand-speed, rapier-like jab and cracking double left hooks to the head and body alongside flurries of accurate punches to wear down the tough Mexican and retain his title.



The impressive win set Melindo who is ranked No.1 by the WBO on a collision course against countryman Brian Viloria unless ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer is able to get Melindo a title shot against any of the champions from the other world organizations such as WBC champion Pongsaklek Wonjongkam, WBA champion Hernan Marquez and IBF champion Moruti Mthalane.

ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told the Manila Standard that for Melindo to earn a mandatory crack at Viloria’s title he would have to fight a top-ten ranked fighter in his next bout which is what WBO president “Paco” Valcarcel told him at the last WBO convention in Puerto Rico. He also disclosed that Top Rank promoter Bob Arum had asked him about Melindo after we mentioned his name to Arum and Manny Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz and they are exploring the possibility of Melindo seeing action against a top ten contender on the undercard of Pacquiao’s scheduled June 9 fight in Las Vegas.

Aldeguer said “you can’t hide from fighting Viloria if that’s what has to happen. It would be unfair to Melindo and to fight fans.” He cited the example of Mexico pointing out that Mexicans fight against each other for regional and world titles. That’s the nature of boxing.

Aldeguer also plans to send Melindo along with AJ “Bazooka” Banal to train under Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire’s accomplished trainer Robert Garcia in preparation for his US debut.

The 23 year old Melindo improved his unbeaten record to 26-0 with 10 knockouts while Esquer dropped to 27-10-2 with 21 knockouts.

Melindo set the tone of the fight in the opening round when he caught Esquer with double left hooks and ended the round with a solid right hook. Another left hook in round two stunned Esquer and a cracking right uppercut ended another excellent round for Melindo.

In an action-packed third round Melindo marked by some furious exchanges Esquer connected with a low blow which referee Tapdasan apparently didn’t see. Melindo was warned for a low blow in round four while Esquer kept shaking his head after getting caught by Melindo’s combinations as though to say the punches didn’t hurt.



Melindo was called for another low blow in round five although referee Tapdasan didn’t deduct a point despite his previous warnings. Esquer connected with three straight jabs even as he continued to complain about imaginary low blows and went into a series of highly exaggerated acts while rolling on the canvas .

Melindo suffered a small cut on his right eyebrow following a head-butt before Melindo drove Esquer to the ropes and decided to forget the body shots which were called low and instead went to the head with vicious flurries that rocked the Mexican.



After connecting with an obvious low blow and receiving a left to the chest, Esquer claimed he was hit by a low blow prompting his corner men to step into the ring forcing referee Tapdasan to call a halt.

In fact it was Esquer who was disqualified in the 7th round for repeated low blows in his last bout against Ricardo Nunez for the Latino flyweight title. In a post fight interview with TV commentator Bill Velasco of ABS-CBN which telecast “Pinoy Pride XI” on Channel 2, said “He knew he was going to lose. His body was weak and I would knock him out.”

 

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

http://philboxing.com/news/story-65813.html

WBO #1 flyweight Milan “El Metodico” Melindo of the Philippines kept his Intercontinental crown via a 7th round TKO over a game but outclassed Mexican Juan “Panterita” Esquer Saturday night at the Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, Cebu. Melindo, 23, peppered Esquer with stiff jabs, uppercuts and punishing 4 to 5-punch combinations, all in precision manner. In round five Esquer got floored with a low blow that saw the Mexican wince in pain and rolled around the ring. Esquer tried to stand up at least six times but fell each time. After a few minutes Esquer continued fighting and survived the round.

In the 7th canto Esquer trapped Melindo in the neutral corner but threw a clear low blow. Referee Danrex Tapdasan came in for a momentary halt but Esquer surprisingly fell down and claimed he was hit by a low blow. Replays through a wide screen inside the venue however showed Esquer not being hit by any punch. Tapdasan waived off the fight after Esquer refused to stand up. Official time was 2:16.

With the win Melindo improves to 26-0 with 10 knockouts while Esquer drops to 27-10-2 with 21 KO’s.

In other bouts of this fight card dubbed “Pinoy Pride XI: Philippines vs. The World”, WBO #5 Lorenzo “Thunderbolt” Villanueva floored Mexican Diego Ledesma twice with thundering left straights en route to a first round stoppage. Villanueva ups his record to 23-0, 22 KO’s.

Super flyweight Mar Jhun Macahilig kayoed Kaichon Sor Vorapin in the second round while OPBF minimumweight champion Merlito Sabillo scored a hard-earned 8-round verdict over Sofyan Effendi of Indonesia.

Super featherweight Joseph Von Minoza completed a 5-0 shutout for Team Philippines as he decisioned Yoo Shim Kim of Korea in their own 8-round battle.

 

By Dennis Principe

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/melindo-stops-esquer-106936

Cebu City – Juan “Panterita” Esquer of Mexico surprised everyone when he spoke in Cebuano to Milan “Metodico” Melindo.

“Tumbahun tika” which means “I will knock you out.”. Only two words, but it was enough to elicit applause from the sportswriters who attended the press conference held Thursday noon at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel.

It was Melindo who started throwing verbal jabs, saying that “He should try to knock me out early, If not, I will knock him out.”

“If he is wiser than me, he can beat me,” Melindo added. “If not he can beat me in his dreams.”

“I am prepared,” Esquer said, “I am confident and I came here to win in your house. You will see on Saturday how Melindo will fall down.”

“I prepared for this fight but for a world title fight. This will be an easy fight for me.” Melindo retorted.

“His words do not shock me,” Esquer countered, “I have faced many world champions. To me he (Melindo) is a newbie. I hope the judges will not help him. I hope this fight will not be stolen from me like what happened with Ivan Calderon.”

ALA Promotions CEO Michael Aldeguer is looking for a world title shot for Melindo, who is defending his WBO Intercontinental flyweight title.

“We will look at the offers,” Aldeguer said, “We will keep fighting and prepare him for the title shot.”

ALA Gym trainer Edito Villamor predicted a knockout ending for the main event of Pinoy Pride XI.

In the main supporting bout, fans will get to see if Lorenzo “Thunderbolt” Villanueva’s power and 90 percent KO rate is for real when he squares off against tough Mexican Diego “Tyson” Ledesma.

Villanueva said his strength and punching power is something that came naturally for him but he feels he needs to improve on a lot of things like his foot work.

 

By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.

http://philboxing.com/news/story-65692.html

CEBU CITY—Even the holiday season and the recent Sinulog festival did not stop unbeaten Milan Melindo from preparing for his Jan. 28 fight against Mexican Juan Esquer.

“I trained continuously. I shouldn’t be complacent,” said Melindo, who resisted the temptation of eating too much during the holidays, in Filipino.

Melindo’s training is now in its final phase at the ALA boxing gym here as he gears up for his 12-round bout against Esquer, the main event of “Pinoy Pride XI: Philippines vs The World” to be held at Cebu City Waterfront Hotel and Casino.

Melindo, a 23-year-old native of Cagayan de Oro, will be bringing with him an unbeaten record of 25-0 (with 9 KOs) when he meets his 25-year-old opponent from Sonora, Mexico.

Esquer has a 27-9 (win-loss) record, including 21 knockouts, and once challenged for the World Boxing Organization light flyweight title against Ivan Calderon of Puerto Rico, losing a unanimous 12-round decision.

“He’s a strong puncher so we shouldn’t get overconfident,” said Melindo, the reigning WBO Intercontinental flyweight champion.

As part of the promotional built up for the fight presented by Ala Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports, Melindo and other boxers seeing action in the undercards, conducted a public workout at the SM City here Friday afternoon. Also in attendance were Lorenzo Villanueva, Joseph Von Minoza, reigning Orient Pacific Boxing Federation champion Merlito Sabilo and Mhar Jhun Makahilig.

 

http://sports.inquirer.net/32359/melindo-gears-up-for-fight-vs-esquer-at-waterfront