Villamor upbeat on Melindo’s chances

CEBU, Philippines - ALA Boxing Gym chief trainer Edito Villamor is highly optimistic that his prized ward Milan "El Metodico" Melindo will pass the toughest test of his fistic career with flying colors.

Melindo, unscathed in 29 fights spiked with a dozen knockouts, gears up for what is by far the biggest fight of his life when he challenges Mexican double world champion Juan Francisco Estrada (24-2, 18KOs) for the WBA/WBO flyweight titles on July 27 at the Cotai Arena of Venetian Casino & Resort in Macau, China.

Villamor said Estrada is a tough boxer but he strongly feels that the 25-year-old Melindo has all what it takes to tame the conqueror of Fil-Am Brian Viloria and regain a certain measure of pride for Philippine boxing.

"He (Melindo) has a very big chance of winning. I can see the fire in his eyes during training. He has doubled his dedication, discipline and determination for this fight," said Villamor. "He's also mentally prepared. His mindset is on winning the title and nothing else. He has long been waiting for this moment to come because it's really his dream to become a world champion. Now that God has given him this opportunity, he trained and prepared hard for this."

Given the fighting styles of Melindo and Estrada, Villamor boldly predicted that there will be a knockout although he couldn't say if it will come early or in the later part of the scheduled 12-round bout.

"Someone will fall, but it all depends on what will happen during the fight," said Villamor. "Estrada is strong and a skillful boxer but Melindo has done his homework well and he knows how to deal with him when they both step inside the ring on July 27."

"It's also a matter of revenge for Melindo. Estrada seized the WBO and WBA flyweight titles from his fellow countryman (Viloria) and Melindo will give all the best he possibly could to take them back and regain some pride for Philippine boxing," said Villamor. "I hope the Filipinos, especially his Cebuano fans, will keep on praying for Melindo's success because he's fighting not only for personal glory but also for our country's pride and honor."

Villamor was once the brighest star of Cebu's world-renowned sweat shop founded by Cebu Sports Hall of Famer Antonio "Bidoy" L. Aldeguer.

So popular and charismatic Villamor was during his prime that he was the only boxer to have carried the ring name "ALA" in the nearly 30-year history of the the fabled gym.

Villamor, now 42 years old, fought but lost twice for the world title, first to Thai Ratanapol Sor Vorapin by seventh round TKO in their IBF minumweight title match on June 27, 1993 at the National Stadium Gymnasium in Bangkok, Thailand.

After bouncing back with five straight wins, Villamor suffered another heart-rending setback, this time to the undefeated Mexican legend Ricardo "Finito" Lopez by eight round knockout in the WBC minimumweight championship bout on March 16, 1996 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

That stinging defeat forced Villamor into retirement, bringing along with him a career record of 29 wins, 26 of which via stoppage, two losses and one draw.

Even though he faltered in his dream of becoming a world champion, Villamor has found a renewed vigor and eventually a sense of fulfillment as a trainer.

Under his watchful eyes, Villamor plays a big part in producing not only one, but two world title-holders in WBO light flyweight champion Donnie "Ahas" Nietes and WBO minimumweight champion Merlito "Tiger" Sabillo - a landmark feat for the ALA Boxing Gym.     

And Villamor could even make it a "Big Three" if ever Melindo succeeds in vanquishing Estrada next week. (FREEMAN)