Melindo to challenge Viloria’s conqueror on July 27 in Macau

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — It's final. ALA Boxing Gym stalwart Milan "El Metodico" Melindo will challenge newly-crowned WBO/WBA champion Juan Francisco Estrada of Mexico on July 27 at the Cotai Arena of The Venetian Hotel and Resort in Macau.

“Top Rank Inc. personally informed me that it is official - Milan (Melindo) will fight Estrada for the flyweight titles on July 27 in Macau,” said ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael Aldeguer. “All is sealed. It’s now up to the fighters to train and prepare for this fight.”

“Bob Arum said that Milan is terrific and a fight against Estrada for the world title will be something to watch out for in boxing this year.”

Both Melindo and Estrada made an impression in the first ever pro boxing show in Macau last April 6.

The 25-year-old Melindo scored a masterful fourth round stoppage of Indonesian Tommy Seran, while Estrada systematically punched his way to a split decision victory over Brian Viloria to crown himself as the new WBO and WBA flyweight champion.

“This is what Milan has been waiting for most of his career. Now we wait for the fight and hope to see him as our next world champion,” said Aldeguer. “Philippine boxing suffered back-to-back loses with Viloria and (Nonito) Donaire losing their fights, but now young fighters like Melindo have a chance to redeem the country.”

Melindo is currently on vacation in his hometown Cagayan de Oro City, but the undefeated ALA boxer will be back on training this week to prepare for what is by far the biggest break of his budding career.

Melindo holds a perfect record of 29-0 spiked with 12 knockouts, while Estrada sports a 23-2 win-loss slate dotted with 18KOs.

Aldeguer also revealed their plan to send Melindo for a training camp in the United States. "We are looking at House of Boxing in San Diego or at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles,”  he said.

Aside from Melindo, there is also a big possibility that another unbeaten ALA fighter, Genesis "Azukal" Servania, will be included in the said Macau fightcard.  (FREEMAN)