Melindo, Banal foes arrive tomorrow: Four RP amateur boxers to spice up 'Bakbakan sa Sinulog' fight card

CEBU, Philippines - The opponents of ALA Stable stalwarts Milan “Milenyo” Melindo (19-0,l 5KOs) and AJ “Bazooka” Banal (20-1, 16KOs) are set to arrive in Cebu tomorrow and will be formally presented to the media in a press conference the following day at Patio Isabel.

Two-division regional champion Melindo guns for his third title in third weight division when he challenges Mexican-American toughie Anthony “Baby Assasin” Villarreal for the WBC Youth Intercontinental flyweight title in the main event of the explosive “Bakbakan sa Sinulog!” card on January 14 at the Pacific grand ballroom of Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

In the supporting main event, the resurgent Banal will slug it out with former five-time regional titlist Cecilo “Boga” Santos of Mexico.

Both Melindo and Banal are in for a big test as they go up against high-grade foes. Villareal (9-2, 4KOs) is coming out of a five-fight win streak he capped with a split decision win over the previously undefeated power-puncher Miguel Roman to snatch the WBO Youth belt.

Santos (24-11-3, 14KOs), on the other hand, won his previous fight via a smashing first round knockout of fellow Mexican Cesar Martinez last December 11. Santos boast of a victory over Luis Melendez, the same guy who ended the boxing career of Cebuano fighter Z Gorres.

“This is really a big test for both of them (Banal and Melindo). They have to be a hundred percent ready for this fight because they’re going up against a very tough opponents,” said ALA Promotions president Michael P. Aldeguer.

In the equally-exciting undercards of the four-nation extravaganza co-presented by ALA Promotions, SMART Communications and ABC TV 5, ALA mainstays James Baco and Larry “Bonjovi” Canillas will take on separate Thai foes. Bacon (13-1-0,8 KOs) will trade mitts with Thittichon Singwancha (12-3, 2KO’s), while the power-thiing Canillas (11-1, 11KOs) will lock horns with Pet Twin Gym (8-3-1, 6 KOs).

In a related development, SMART Communications sports marketing and special projects head Patrick “Pato” C. Gregorio said in a chat with sportscribes the other night at the Taste of Mandarin in Gaisano Countrymall that four members of the Philippine amateur boxing team will showcase their wares in the slambang show.

The amateur bouts lined up to spice up the event feature Cebuano slugger Adonis Cabalquinto against Jimmy Vallares and Karina Jane Recaido opposite Irish Magno. Karina Jane is the daughter of former Asian Games gold medallists and two-time Olympian Elias Recaido.

“The intention is to really promote amateur boxing in Cebu. I believe that we can work together with the right training program,” said Gregorio, who is counting on the support of the fabled ALA Boxing Gym in their pursuit for the country’s first Oympic gold medal that is worth a staggering P15 million.

Ticket prices for the “Bakbakan sa Sinulog” are pegged at P1,500 for VIP first row, P1, 250 for VIP second row, P1,000 VIP third row, P500 for ringside, P300 for ballroom and P250 for balcony. (FREEMAN NEWS)