Gorres gives Domingo 'secret weapon': As he expresses confidence his close buddy will defeat Melendez

CEBU, Philippines -  Well-loved Cebuano fighter Z “The Dream” Gorres expressed confidence that one-time WBO Oriental bantamweight champion Michael “Sunday Punch” Domingo will emerge victorious against Luis Melendez but forewarned his close buddy and ALA stablemate to be extra cautious against the hard-punching Colombian toughie.

“It’s going to be a good fight. Melendez is very tough and a dangerous foe. I’m highly confident that he [Domingo] will win, but he must be extra careful. He must not take Melendez lightly,” said Gorres, who visited The Freeman office yesterday to help drum up the highly-anticipated bout of Domingo against Melendez on March 23 at the Pacific grand ballroom of Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Melendez’s name rings a bell to the Philippine boxing community as he was responsible for ending the fistic career of Gorres.

During their match in November last year in Las Vegas, Gorres collapsed moments after being declared the victor. He was then rushed to the University Medical Center where he underwent a life-threatening brain surgery.

Since then, the 27-year-old Gorres went through a miraculous recovery and is now undergoing an extensive rehabilitation program at Perpetual Succour Hospital.

Gorres said he learned a lot from the Melendez fight and that he has already given Domingo some valuable tips to Domingo on how to beat the sturdy Colombian.

Asked on what piece of advice Gorres fed him, Domingo quickly replied: “It’s going to be our secret weapon.”

The 30-year-old Domingo bared he is almost a hundred percent for what he considers the biggest ring battle of his career, so far.

“I’m almost in perfect shape for the fight. My training camp has been so good. I will show all what I’ve got on the fight night,” said Domingo.

More than for personal glory, going up against Melendez is a little bit personal for Domingo.

“This is an imporant fight for me. You know that Butchoy (Gorres) is my close friend and this is going to be a revenge of sort for me,” said the soft-spoken ring gladiator from Libac, Sultan Kudarat.

“I thank Sir ALA [Tony Aldeguer] for giving me this opportunity. This is a chance for me to make a name, if ever I would win,” said Domingo. “I enjoined everyone to come and watch the fight, it’s going to be a highly entertaining one.”

Domingo sports a 39-14-5 record spiked with 17KOs, while Melendez parades a 26-5-1 slate dotted with 21KOs. (FREEMAN NEWS)