MANILA, Philippines - Two other tough Mexicans are coming over to fight in the undercard of the Pinoy Pride Series 8: Philippines vs Mexico set this Saturday at the Grand Pacific Ballroom of the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu.
Rosbel “Lobito” Montoya and veteran Gerson Guerrero are the two Latino fighters set to face rising ALA Promotions prospects Jason Pagara and unbeaten Genesis Azukal Servania, respectively, in the boxing card highlighting the ring rivalry between the Philippines and Mexico.
Headlining the event co-promoted by ALA Promotions and giant network ABS-CBN is promising Filipino flyweight Milan “El Metodico” Melindo, who squares off with three-time world title challenger Francisco Rosas.
Undefeated in 24 fights, Melindo has impressive resume which includes victories over former world champions Muhammad Rachman and Carlos Tamara.
Rosas, however, could prove to be a perfect match against Melindo as the 31-year-old veteran from Oaxaca, Mexico had the experience of slugging it out with five world champions. He also beat former world title holder Juan Jose Landaeta.
“He is awkward, tough, and throws punches from all angles. It won’t be an easy fight, but Milan has the edge,” said ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer.
The fightcard, presented by Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, the City Government of Cebu, Cobra Tunay na Lakas Energy Drink, SM City Cebu, Ayala Active Zone and Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, stakes the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Inter-Continental flyweight title.
Meanwhile, Pagara, (27-1, with 16 KOs) is expected to have his hands full against the power-punching Montoya (12-2-1, 11 KOs) in a battle between reigning regional champions. Montoya is currently the World Boxing Council (WBC) Fecombox light-welterweight title holder, while Pagara, dubbed “El Nino”, is the present WBO Asia-Pacific Youth champion and will stake his crown in the 10-round bout.
“It will surely not last the distance as both Pagara and Monoya are bangers,” said ALA chief trainer Edito Villamor.
Servania, for his part, gets his first acid test after winning his first 14 pro fights as he goes up against the comebacking Guerrero (34-8, 26 KOs), who fought some of the best fighters in the
super-bantamweight division such as Ponce de Leon, Christian Mijares and Hugo Fidel Cazares.
Tickets for Pinoy Pride Series are available at ALA Gym in Banilad Town Center (tel. No. 416-2011); ALA Promotions Office (tel. No. 2364611); Pacific Mall - Mandaue (12 a.m.-9 p.m.); Gaisano Fiesta Mall-Tabunok (12 a.m.-9 p.m.); Unitop-Lapu Lapu City; Ayala Mall; Gaisano Mactan and at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.