Gallant Melindo fails in title bid

CEBU, Philippines - Milan ‘El Metodico’ Melindo of the ALA Boxing Gym fought hard under heavy fire but still fell short in end, losing by 12-round unanimous decision to Mexico's Juan Francisco "El Gallo" Estrada, who retained his WBA and WBO flyweight CROWNS in resounding fashion last Saturday night at the Cotai Arena of The Venetian Hotel and Casino in Macau, China.

Ironically, it was Melindo's first loss in 30 ring battles.

The 25-year-old Melindo put up a gallant effort against Estrada, but the Mexican proved to be the more skillful boxer, wisely using his reach advantage and aggressive fighting style to baffle the Filipino challenger.

Melindo actually started strong, connecting some solid shots to the head that staggered Estrada in round four.

But the momentum suddenly shifted to Estrada's side in the sixth round when Melindo suffered a deep cut under his left eye that obviously affected his fighting ability and concentration.

Estrada capitalized on the opportunity by peppering Melindo with sharp jabs and well-calculated straight punches as the match progressed.

Despite blood racing through his cheeks, the gritty Melindo traded some hard shots with Estrada as the fight nears its end. In the middle of their heated exchange, however, the Mexican braveheart landed a picture-perfect right hook that sent the ALA fighter down at the seat of his pants in the eleventh round.

Melindo gamely weathered the ordeal, but Estrada, smelling blood, flashed another devastating display of  punching skills in the final round to deny his badly beaten foe any chance of pulling an upset.

Judges Rafael Ramos and Zolta n Enyei both scored 118-109, while Takeshi Shimakawa had it 117-109 all for Estrada, who reaffirmed his mastery over a top-caliber Filipino opponent. He seized the two world titles from Fil-Am Brian Viloria at the same fight arena four months ago.

While Estrada rejoiced in triumph, Melindo was gracious enough in accepting defeat, thanking all the Filipinos who gave their prayers and support to him, even as he also promised to come back strong for another world title shot in the future.

“Sorry I lost the fight, but I know God has a good plan for me. Someday I will rise again by the will of God and I will be a world champion,” said Melindo in a post in his Facebook account moments after the fight.

On ther other hand, Melindo’s stablemate Genesis ‘Azukal’ Servania stretched his unbeaten record to 22-0 (8JKOs) at the same time retained his WBO Asia-Pacific super bantamweight belt after scoring a ninth round technical majority decision win over Japanese Konosuke Tomiyama (23-6, 8KOs).

In another bout featuring a Filipino fighter, Dave Peñalosa knocked out Thailand's Ngaotawa Sithsaithong in a super bantamweight contest. Penalosa extended his record to 6-0 spiked with 4KOs after finishing with a huge uppercut that floored his opponent in the third round. (FREEMAN)