ALA fighters brace for tough battle vs Mexican foes

CEBU, Philippines – ALA Boxing Gym stalwarts Milan 'El Metodico" Melindo and 'King' Arthur Villanueva are not taking their Mexican opponents lightly as they headline the highly-anticipated  'Pinoy Pride 34: Back with a Vengeance" fightcard on November 28 at the Hoops Dome in Baranggay Gun-ob, Lapu-Lapu City.

Melindo (32-2, 12KOs) is not taking any chances against Carlos 'Divino' Fontes (21-3, 17KOs) as he tries to capture the vacant WBO International junior flyweight title.

In his quest of getting back into world title contention, the 27-year-old Melindo believes that Fontes poses a great challenge and will surely test him if he is ready for another shot at the world championship.

The pride of Cagayan De Oro-City Melindo lost by a controversial sixth round technical decision to Javier Mendoza in their IBF light flyweight title bout last May 30 at Campo Nuevo Ensenada in Baja California, Mexico.

"I heard he is 5-foot-9 and that would make him as the tallest opponent I fought so far," said Melindo during their public workout the other night at the activity center of SM City Cebu. "This fight would surely test me and I know its going to be a tough one for me but I love challenge."

"I want an impressive result because I want to be a world title challenger as soon as possible."

"Milan will give up a lot of height against this Mexican, but there is nothing to worry because Milan is a great tactician and I am confident that he can neutralize a taller opponent," ALA chief trainer Edito Villamor said.

For his part, Villanueva (27-1, 14KOs) is expecting a toe-to-toe battle against Mexican brawler Victor 'Spock' Mendez (19-2, 15KOs) whom he considered as a heavy-hitter  in his division. Villanueva guns for the WBC International super flyweight this fight.

"I watched videos of his fight and I saw that he likes to brawl which I like because it makes an exciting fight," said the Bacolod City-native. "He is a dangerous Mexican but my trainers will figure him out and I might be the one who can knock him out during our fight."

Like Melindo, Villanueva also failed to win the IBF super flyweight title in his recent bout in another controversial decision against McJoe Arroyo of Puerto Rico.

"I have moved on from that fight and I am now 100% focus from this fight. A win will boost my ranking and WBC and from there I will hope for another chance for a world championship."  (FREEMAN)