It’s now or never for Melindo

CEBU, Philippines - Faced with a do-or-die situation, Milan ‘El Metodico’ Melindo (34-2, 12KOs) is extremely confident he could get the job done as he slugs it out with Fahlan Sakkreerin  Jr. (31-4, 16KOs) of Thailand for the interim IBF light flyweight championship in the main event of ‘Pinoy Pride 39: Road to Redemption’ fightcard tonight at the Cebu Coliseum.

“Everything is ready. I am facing a very good opponent but I believe that I have the perfect game plan,” said Melindo, who showed his readiness to rumble after coming in at exactly 108 pounds, just a pound heavier than his Thai foe, during yesterday's official weigh-in at Robinsons Fuente. “I will utilize my body shots and from there, I will try to do what I promised (to score a knockout).”

In his first world title crack, Melindo lost by unanimous decision to Juan Francisco Estrada of Mexico on July 27, 2013 in Macau. He suffered a double whammy when he dropped a controversial sixth round technical decision to Javier Mendoza in their IBF title match on May 30, 2015 in Mexico.

“Compared to my first two title shots, I see this one as really favorable for me,” he said the Cagayan de Oro City fighter. “I have learned a lot especially in my preparations and I am ready to take that belt in front of my countrymen.”

ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael Aldeguer attested d that Melindo has matured a lot after his two failed attempts to be a world champion. “We can see that he really matured a lot in training and in his approach going to an important fight like this. I have faith in him.”

The winner of the Melindo-Sakkreerin duel will earn a mandatory shot at reigning champion Akira Yaegashi, who could not defend his belt for the time being due to injury.

 As an added motivation for Melindo, Aldeguer said they will immediately hold talks with the Japanese camp if ever Melindo gets past Sakkreerin.

Before Melindo steps into the ring, a surely interesting match to watch is that of 'Prince' Albert Pagara, who is itching to get back on the right track after suffering his first career defeat.

More than winning against Raymond Commey (16-1, 9KOs) of Ghana, Pagara (26-1, 18KOs) will also try to prove that he has already recovered mentally and emotionally from his devastating eight round knockout loss to Mexican toughie Cesar Juarez in their WBO Intercontinental super bantamweight championship bout last July 7 at the San Mateo Event Center in San Mateo, California.

“Albert’s performance in this fight will show if he has really recovered and moved on from that (loss to Juarez). It is not easy every time a boxer climbs back to the ring after suffering a knockout in his last fight,” said Aldeguer.

In another featured bout, Albert’s older brother, WBO No.1 junior welterweight contender Jason ‘El Niño’ Pagara (39-2, 24KOs), faces a daunting challenge as he battles former world champion Jose Alfaro (28-10, 24KOs) of Nicaragua.

Four other ALA Gym prospects will spice up  slambang show co-presented by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports. They are Jeo ‘Santino’ Santisima, Jimmy ‘Popeye’ Paypa, Jonas ‘Zorro’ Sultan, Melvin ‘Gringo’ Jerusalem and Kevin Jake ‘KJ’ Cataraja. (FREEMAN)