Melindo stakes future in big test

MANILA, Philippines - For unbeaten WBO No. 5 and WBC No. 7 flyweight contender Milan Melindo, losing isn’t an option as his future as a fighter will be at stake in taking on Mexico’s Francisco Rosas in the main event of the Pinoy Pride 8 – Philippines versus Mexico bill at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino ballroom in Cebu tonight.

Melindo, 23, is in line for a shot at a world crown and ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer said his performance against Rosas will determine if he’s ready for the crack. “This fight could tell how ready Melindo is for a world title fight,” said Aldeguer. “We have bigger plans for Melindo and that could be realized if he beats Rosas.”

Aldeguer, however, isn’t getting ahead of himself. Rosas, fresh from a fifth round knockout win over Antonio Garibay, has no plans of making it easy for Melindo. In fact, the Mexican is determined to barge into the world title picture at Melindo’s expense. Even as Melindo is undefeated, Rosas said he’s not fazed.

 “Records don’t scare me,” said the 31-year-old Rosas. “Melindo’s unbeaten streak will end tonight. I’m ready for him. I’ve trained hard and I’m going to prove who the better boxer is. It won’t matter if I fight in Melindo’s hometown. It will just motivate me more fighting in front of his countrymen. I’ve been into several fights in my career. Fighting away from home has never slowed me down.”

Rosas promised to win convincingly but declined to predict a knockout. “Melindo’s unbeaten record only shows that he’s a good fighter,” said Rosas. “Everyone is saying he’s a tough fighter then let’s see how tough he is.”

Melindo said he’s not about to throw away his chance of a lifetime by losing to the visitor. “There’s no let up in the gym,” he said. “I’ve sparred close to a hundred rounds and the training got more intense as the fight came closer. It’s every boxer’s dream to fight for a world title. I know my chance is just there and I have no plans of bungling it.”

Although not known as a heavy hitter, Melindo has worked on his power in the gym resulting in recent spectacular knockouts over Mexico’s Rosendo Vega and Korea’s Jin Man Jeon. “I don’t normally go for a knockout but my training has made me stronger,” said Melindo. “I really feel strong now. I’m excited to show off my power against Rosas.”

Melindo earned his nickname “El Metodico” by outclassing opponents with his technique and boxing skills. He methodically beat former world champion Carlos Tamara, Carlos Melo, Anthony Villareal, Guadalupe Martinez and two-time world minimumweight king Muhammad Rachman to the punch in carving out decisions that boosted his stock as a serious title contender. Melindo’s record is 24-0, with eight KOs compared to Rosas’ 22-8-2, with 13 KOs.

Aldeguer’s father Tony, owner of the ALA boxing empire, said Melindo can’t take Rosas for granted. “We expect a tough fight for Milan,” he said. “Rosas is awkward and experienced. He has fought five world champions but Milan has the arsenal to beat him. We plan for Milan to go for the world title next year, either the IBF or WBA crown. Brian Viloria is the WBO champion and as a Filipino, we would rather for Milan to fight somebody else.”

The Aldeguer patriarch said unless Melindo becomes the WBC’s No. 1 contender, it will be difficult to secure a shot at Pongsaklek Wonjongkam of Thailand. Pongsaklek is now on his second reign as the WBC 112-pound champion.

 “Fighting for the WBC title is difficult unless you’re a mandatory challenger,” said the elder Aldeguer. “Pongsaklek will never fight out of Thailand and I’ll never allow Milan to fight in Thailand.”

The WBA champion is Hernan (Tyson) Marquez of Mexico and the IBF titleholder is Moruti Mthalane of South Africa. Both have lost to WBC/WBO bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr.

 “Marquez just knocked out (Filipino challenger) Edrin Dapudong,” said Aldeguer. “With the right offer, we might be able to entice him to come to the Philippines and defend against Milan. Since Milan is not a mandatory challenger, we have to come up with a very attractive offer to the champion and we are eyeing Marquez. Our second choice is Moruti.”

In other fights tonight, WBO No. 8 superlightweight contender Jason Pagara battles Mexico’s Rosbel Montoya and Genesis Servania faces Mexico’s Gerson Guerrero.