MANILA, Philippines — Ryoichi Taguchi must have sensed some weakness in Milan Melindo’s mid-section that the Japanese champion had bared his plans for their New Year’s Eve unification bout in Tokyo.
“I want to use my jab to get to the body,” said Taguchi, the WBA light-flyweight champion, ahead of the fight scheduled on Dec. 31 at the Ota City Gymnasium.
“If I can move the way I’ve planned, I can win,” the 31-year-old told the Japan Times.
Yesterday, the two champions stood side by side and shook hands before a line of photographers, for a pre-fight medical checkup at the Grand Palace Hotel.
It took place in a function room twice bigger than a boxing ring, and because of some medical procedure on hand, a few wore surgical masks, including Taguchi.
It’s two days before the unification bout, and the temperature is dipping. By fight night, it will be at its coldest at two degrees Celsius.
Melindo, 29, flew to Tokyo last Monday, in thermal wear, carrying his IBF light-flyweight crown and a heavier 37-2 ring record with 13 knockouts.
The Filipino champion is determined to stay on top, and had set high goals of facing all champions at 108 pounds and unifying all the belts.