CEBU, Philippines - ALA Stable stars Z “The Dream” Gorres and WBO Asia-Pacific minimumweight king Milan Melindo both face tall orders as they battle separate foes who are former world champions in the “Judgment at the Waterfront” boxing extravaganza co-presented by ALA Promotions and giant TV network ABS-CBN on March 14 at the Pacific grand ballroom of Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
Gorres (28-2-2, 15KOs) will make his debut under the bantamweight division against ex-IBF minimumweight titlist Roberto Carlos “Mako” Leyva (25-8-1, 20KOs) of Mexico in a 12-round war for the WBO Oriental 118-pound crown, while Melindo (17-0, 5KOs) will trade bombs with erstwhile IBF 105-pound ruler Muhammad Rachman (62-6-5, 31KOs) of Indonesia in a non-title bout scheduled for 10 rounds.
“This is a big test for him (Gorres) fighting a former world champion,” said ALA Promotions president Michael P. Aldeguer in a press conference yesterday drumming up the explosive card at the Sugbahan Restaurant along A.S. Fortuna Street in Brgy. Banilad, Mandaue City. “This is gonna be a big night for both of them. It’s judgment day for them.”
Aldeguer expressed optimism that the 26-year-old Gorres would peform better as a bantamweight after failing in his world title bid as a super flyweight.
“Gorres will be stronger at 118 [pounds]. We believe at this weight he will be very comfortable,” said Aldeguer in as statement that was echoed by Gorres.
Aldeguer, on the other hand, said it’s a big gamble on their part pitting Melindo against a highly experience ex-world champ who is 17 years older than their prized ward.
“When my father Mr. Aldeguer (Antonio) brought up the idea, it’s a big decision to make. It’s a big gamble on our part, but he (Melindo) needs this fight so we will know where he’s at right now and determine if he’s ready for the next level,” said Aldeguer.
But Melindo is unfazed by the impressive credential of Rachman, who has fought 56 times more than him (73 against 17).
“Rachman is a good fighter and a veteran, but I’m not afraid of him. I’m very confident that I will win,” said the 21-year-old Melindo, who is rated WBO No.1, WBA No.4, WBC No.6, and IBF No.11.
If victorious, Aldeguer said Gorres and Melindo will definitely campaign next in the United States. “We are looking to that direction,” he said.
In the exciting undercards, ALA mainstays Michael “Sunday Punch” Domingo will clash with Monico Laurente of the Parañaque City-based Elorde Stable, while James Bacon eyes no less than revenge as he goes up against former tormentor William Jorge of Cagayan de Oro City’s Leolets Stable in an expected grudge rematch.
The rest of the card pits Joseph Von Miñoza of Talamban, Cebu City vs. Rufino Manta of Tagbilaran, Marjohn Makahilig of Kalibo, Aklan vs. Marlon Ariesga of Tagbilaran, Ricardo Campana of Ermita, Cebu City vs. Jherpol Valero of Mandaue City’s Fil-Aus Gym, and Jomar Cordinillo of Tagbilaran vs. Ricky Nuñez of Phil-Aust Gym.
Meanwhile, tickets for the slambang event will be on sale starting tomorrow at the following outlets:ALA Promotions Office (236-4611), ALA Gym-BTC (416-2011), Island Souvenirs boutique-Ayala (231-2581), USA Sports-Ayala (232-1854), and Gaisano Mactan Kiosk.
Tickets are priced at P250 for balcony, P350 for ballroom, P550 for ringside, P1,000 for VIP 3rd Row, P1, 250 for VIP 2nd Row, and P1,500 for VIP 1st Row. For reservations, one may keep in touch with Jeana at 0928-5057980 or 0928-5215772. (BANAT NEWS)