MANILA, Philippines - Milan Melindo proved to be the perfect appetizer as he put on a show that drew loud cheers from the crowd, including Filipinos.
Melindo, the undefeated pride of Mandaue City, sent Indonesia’s Tommy Seran down three times en route to a fourth round TKO victory.
Now undefeated in 29 fights and in looking for a shot at the world title, the Filipino flyweight put his powerful left hook on display from start to finish.
A left hook to the face in the 2:38 mark of the third round had the Indon falling like a log. He got up quickly but wobbled against the ropes, forcing the referee to stop the fight.
The appreciated crowd cheered loudly as Melindo’s hand was raised.
The Penalosa brothers, Dave and Dodie Boy Jr., got the ball rolling for the Philippines when they knocked out their separate opponents from Thailand.
Dave, who figured in the opening bout, didn’t waste much time stopping Cheroenchai Sithsaithong in the second round of their super-bantamweight bout scheduled for four.
Fight fans who came in early had just started to warm up their seats when Dave pulled off the victory and improved his unbeaten record to 6-0 with four knockouts.
Dodie Boy Jr. climbed the ring and didn’t stay there for long either.
But the ride wasn’t as smooth as his brother’s because Dodie Boy went down in the first round after he took a hard left from his Thai opponent.
Dodie Boy got up and hung on. Then in the second, it was his turn to score a knockdown after connecting with his own left.
In the third round, he went for the kill and after rocking his opponent with a left cross , he landed a couple of body blows, the last one sending Sithsaithong down for good.