Milan 'Milenyo' Melindo

'PINOY PRIDE VIII' PROMO VIDEO

2011-09-09T04:20:00.000-07:00

The big day will be tomorrow. :)

Mexican Francisco Rosas vows to give Melindo “a world of hurt” in Saturday’s Pinoy Pride 8

2011-09-07T00:13:00.000-07:00

TEAM Mexico has travelled halfway across the world to the Philippines with one thing in mind— to shame the Filipinos in their own turf.

“On Saturday night, the Mexicans will surprise the Filipinos,” said Mexican trainer Herminio Ramirez Vega in a press conference yesterday at the Maya Mexican Restaurant.

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“Filipinos are good fighters but the Mexicans will win,” 34-year-old Mexican veteran Gerson Guerrero said confidently.

Team Mexico, which is composed of former world title challengers Francisco Rosas and Guerrero and promising prospect Rosbel Montoya, will clash with world-rated Milan Melindo, 19-year-old sensation Jason Pagara and unbeaten Genesis Servania of Team Philippines in ALA Promotions’ “Pinoy Pride 8–Philippines vs. Mexico” this Saturday night at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

The 31-year-old Rosas, who has fought some of the best in the world, including two fights against unbeaten World Boxing Association light flyweight king Roman Gonzalez, promised to give Melindo a world of hurt in their 12-round title fight for the vacant World Boxing Organization Inter-Continental flyweight crown in the main event.

“I know nothing about Melindo. I’ll find out about his style during the fight. I promise a great fight,” he said. “I never get hurt in my fights. I’m going to hurt Melindo.”

Rosas’ record speaks for itself as he is 22-8-2 with 13 knockouts but only got knocked out once in his career and that was in the hands of Gonzalez, one of the hardest hitters in his division.

“I always train hard. I’m here to give him a great fight. If a knockout comes, it comes.”

Pagara may be in for a surprise inhis WBO Asia-Pacific Youth light welterweight title defense against Montoya because the 26-year-old Mexican is tougher than he looks.

Montoya was earlier reported to have a record of 12-2-1 with 11 knockouts, but in fact his true professional slate is an impressive 34-4-1 with 29 knockouts.

“I’m going to come out strong and show Pagara how strong I am,” he said.

Although Guerrero has an age disadvantage against Servania, who is just 20, he is still optimistic that experience will overcome youth.

“I know Servania is young and fast but I came here prepared. I have a lot of experience and I’m ready to show Servania a good boxing lesson.”

*source: sunstar.com

Pinoy Pride 4:Milan Melindo Vs.Rosendo Vega(1 round KO)Full Fight

2011-08-22T04:05:00.000-07:00

MELINDO VS ROSAS BATTLE ROYAL IN PINOY PRIDE VIII: PHILIPPINES VS MEXICO

2011-08-11T18:06:00.003-07:00

CEBU, Philippines - An exciting new chapter of the friendly boxing rivalry between Mexico and the Philippines will light up the ring of the Waterfront Hotel and Casino on September 10 in the paradise island of Cebu in the Philippines.

Three brave Mexican warriors will battle Filipino top opponents in "Pinoy Pride VIII: Mexico vs. Philippines," confirmed in a press conference by promoter Michael Aldeguer, president of ALA Promotions.

In the main event, Mexican Francisco "Chiquita" Rosas of Oaxaca Mexico will dispute the World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight Inter-continental championship against the unbeaten Filipino world ranked in the four (4) boxing world organizations Milan Melindo (24-0, 8 KO's).

Veteran and ever dangerous Chiquita Rosas (22-8-2, 13 KOs), a former FECARBOX champion, has faced a high level of fighters and current world champions like Nicaraguan Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez, Juan Carlos Reveco of Argentina and champion Edgar Sosa. "Chiquita" Rosas will travel to the heart of the Philippines armed with all his experience, courage and intention to defeat one of the most exciting new prospects in the flyweight division.

In the other corner will be young Milan Melindo, who has beaten former world champions Carlos Tamara, and Muhammad Rachman. The 23-year-old nicknamed "El Metodico" sees this war against "Chiquita" Rosas as a stepping stone his road to dispute the crown of the world against any of the current monarchs.

"None of my twenty-four victories are anything special to me. Everyone of my past opponents, including Carlos Tamara, are just regular fighters from a big pile. My big special battle will be when I beat a fighter like Giovanni Segura, or any of the world champions," said a very confident Melindo Milan.

In the co-feature, super lightweight 19-year old Filipino Jason "El Niño" Pagara (27-1, 16 KOs) will risk his coveted position in the WBO world rankings by facing hard hitting mexicano Rosbel "Lobito" Montoya (12-2-1, 11 KO's) of Reynosa, Tamaulipas.

Pagara won his last battle against another dangerous Mexican, Juan Carlos Gallegos, with who gave him a tough night last June 11 in Cebu.

"I learned a lot from my collision with the Mexican Gallegos. I have to go through hard training because Mexicans are good fighters," said "El Niño" Pagara during the press conference yesterday at the Cebu Grand Hotel.

Moreover, experienced Mexican warrior Gerson "El Nene" Guerrero (34-8, 26 KOs), who has faced fierce fighters as world champions Daniel Ponce de Leon and the talented Cristian Mijares, returns to the fight ring to face unbeaten prospect 19-year-old Bacolod's Genesis Servania (14-0, 5KO's).

Six more action combats will complete the exciting "Pinoy Pride VIII: Mexico vs Philippines," which will be staged at the luxurious Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu City, Philippines

"Pinoy Pride VIII: Philippines vs. Mexico" is organized and promoted by ALA Promotions of pretigious boxing patron Don Antonio L. Aldeguer.

ABS CBN TV channel will broadcast the hot event throughout the Philippines.

*source: philboxing.com

MELINDO VS ROSAS BATTLE ROYAL IN PINOY PRIDE VIII: PHILIPPINES VS MEXICO

2011-08-11T18:06:00.002-07:00

MELINDO VS ROSAS BATTLE ROYAL IN PINOY PRIDE VIII: PHILIPPINES VS MEXICO

2011-08-11T18:06:00.001-07:00

MELINDO VS ROSAS BATTLE ROYAL IN PINOY PRIDE VIII: PHILIPPINES VS MEXICO

2011-08-11T18:06:00.000-07:00

Team Tamara: "We'll give Melindo his First Loss."

2010-11-24T01:53:00.000-08:00

Cebu City - Former IBF Light Flyweight World Champion Carlos “El Olimpico" Tamara (21W-5L, 15 KO’s) arrived in Cebu today and met the Cebu Sports Press Corps during a press conference held noontime at the Golden Cowrie Restaurant in Lahug. Together with Team Tamara’s Michael Rodriguez and Edgar Sanchez, they talked about his upcoming fight against Milan “Metodico” Melindo (22W-0L, 7 KO’s) of the ALA Gym.

When asked about his title loss to Luis Lazarte in Argentina, Tamara said that he was struggling to make 108 lbs but now he feels a lot stronger that he will be fighting at 112.

He then bared his thoughts about the fight this Saturday, “Nothing is written in stone, but I will leave everything in the ring.” He has sparred one hundred and fifty rounds for this fight, more than the Viloria fight. He considers Omar Narvaez and Brian Viloria as the two best that he has faced in the ring.

Trainer Edgar "Butch" Sanchez however, had more to say when asked if they can surprise the Filipino fans again after beating Brian Viloria in Pasay City last January. “I don’t feel our win was a surprise. Viloria made a mistake in fighting Tamara. Well, it wasn’t really a mistake because he was the mandatory challenger, but Melindo made a bigger mistake by choosing to fight Tamara.”

“We have prepared well for this fight. We sparred with former bantamweight champ Joseph Agbeko” Sanchez added, “We will give Milan Melindo his first defeat.”

Sanchez however has respect for Melindo’s skills. “He is a good boxer puncher, but we prepared well for this fight. We’ve seen his fights on youtube. This will be a great fight. We are not looking past Melindo, I think this will go ten rounds. We don’t see a lot of weaknesses in his style but his inexperience is his weakness. Tamara has fought Giovani Segura, Narvaez, Viloria. If you lack experience, its like being placed in a pool that gets deeper from four feet to ten feet and you don’t know what to do.”

But Tamara also has nice things to say about Cebu and the Philippines. “It reminds me of Colombia. People here are always smiling and very warm. Even when they’re working they’re smiling.”

Sanchez said that after they beat Melindo, they would like to fight here again and be the main event with Melindo as the co-main event.

Melindo and Tamara will meet on Thursday in the final presscon at the Waterfront Hotel. The official weigh-in will be on Friday 11 AM at the SM Cebu City Mall and fight time on Nov 27 starts at 6 PM.

Pinoy Pride II will also feature OPBF flyweight champion Rocky Fuentes, who will be defending his title against Inthanon Sithchamuang of Thailand, former IBF world miniflyweight champ Florante Condes who will fight Kenichi Horikawa of Japan, Former three time OPBF champ Randy “Komong Bato” Suico will fight as a welterweight against reigning Philippine welterweight titlist Arnel Tinampay in an eight round non-title fight and the second pro outing of Dodie Boy Penalosa,Jr, who will face Jomar Torreon.

philboxing.com

MELINDO, FUENTES, SUICO HOLD PUBLIC WORKOUT AT SM CITY CEBU

2010-11-20T17:25:00.000-08:00

CEBU CITY -- Milan "EL Metodico" Milendo, OPBF Champion Rocky Fuentes and Randy "Kumong Bato" Suico displayed their boxing skills during Saturday's public workout at the Entertainment Plaza at SM City Cebu. The trio, together with comebacking former world champion Florante Condes, will headline the "Pinoy Pride II" slated this Saturday, Nov. 27 at the Waterfront Hotel & Casino here.

Melindo, who will have the biggest challenge of his career so far by facing former world champion and Brian Viloria conqueror Carlos Tamara of Columbia, looked sharp and appeared ready as he performed his warm up routine and mitts session.

OPBF Flyweight Champion Rocky Fuentes, who defends his title against Inthan Sithchamuan of Thailand, also did the mitts with trainer Joselph Baldago in front of a huge Saturday afternoon crowd at Cebu's premier shopping mall.

Knockout artist and Mandaue city native Randy Suico, who aspires to mix it up with the world's elite at 140 lbs by his recent signing with ALA Promotions, also displayed his punching power during the mitt session to the pleasure of the audience.

The "Pinoy Pride II" Best of the Best will be in full swing as it enters its final week as the visiting opponents from Columbia, Japan and Thailand are expected to arrive shortly.

*source: philboxing.com

Melindo to fight against Former World Champion in Pinoy Pride 2

2010-11-17T03:05:00.000-08:00

MANILA, Philippines — Milan “El Metodico” Melindo will clash against former world champion Carlos Tamara of Colombia in "Pinoy Pride 2" in Cebu City this November 27.

Melindo, who has a flawless 22-0 record with 7 knockouts (KO), is currently campaigning at the flyweight division.

For his upcoming bout, the young Cebuano said he is confident of beating Tamara, the former International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior-flyweight champion.

“I have prepared so much for this fight because I am fighting someone with a champion’s heart… I believe this is my time and I have worked so hard to get to where I am now. I am not going to let this chance pass me by and I will do whatever it takes to come up victorious when fight night ends,” he said in Philboxing.com.

Meanwhile, Tamara holds an equally notable 21-5-0 record. He has since won 15 of his fights via KO.

The Colombian boxer made an impression after winning the IBF title against Brian “The Hawaiian Punch” Viloria in January. He routed the Filipino boxer via technical knockout in their bout held in Pasay City. He then lost the title last May to Argentinian Luis Alberto Lazarte.

Melindo and Tamara will battle at the event set up by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports.

The first Pinoy Pride edition was capped by a fight involving Filipino boxer AJ “Bazooka” Banal last October 30. He won by disqualification over his Nicaraguan opponent Luis Alberto Perez.

*source: abs-cbnnews.com

Melindo KO's Jin-Man Jeon in RD 2

2010-09-01T17:48:00.000-07:00

CEBU CITY – One of ALA's brightest prospects gave the visiting Korean a bitter boxing lesson after Melindo outpowered and outclassed Jin-Man Jeon knocking out the Korean who unwisely came toe to toe with the master boxer at the Waterfront Hotel & Casino here tonight. A powerful left uppercut by Melindo at 43 seconds of the second round went home to the face of Jeon that sent the Korean lumped to the canvas unable to beat th count. The highly rated Melindo is now looking for an opportunity to challenge any of the lower-weight world champions.

*source: www.philboxing.com

Melindo blasts foe to stamp class

2010-04-25T02:51:00.001-07:00

MANILA, Philippines - Displaying new-found power in his move up in weight, WBC Youth Intercontinental flyweight champion Milan Melindo delivered a strong message that he’s ready for the big time by stopping Thailand’s Komrit Twins Gym at 1:23 of the fourth round to retain his title before a crowd of wildly cheering Filipino overseas workers at the Lodge, Chi Garden, in Dubai last Friday night.

Melindo, 22, isn’t really known as a devastating knockout artist but belied the reputation as he floored Komrit twice in the first round before finishing him off with a brutal uppercut to the body. Komrit, who was earlier docked a point for an accidental headbutt, dropped to his knees, grimacing in pain. Referee Bruce McTavish didn’t bother to count.

The win raised Melindo’s record to 21-0, with six KOs. Komrit was a late replacement for Colombia’s Devis Perez who couldn’t fly out of Bogota because of the travel
logjam caused by the volcanic ash that wreaked havoc on flight schedules all over Europe. The Thai flew in the day before the fight with Melindo unaware of his opponent’s style.

ALA Boxing Gym owner Tony Aldeguer said yesterday he’s not rushing a world title shot for Melindo who has outgrown the minimumweight class and is now a natural lightflyweight.

“I think he’s settling in as a lightflyweight but he fought as a flyweight against Anthony Villareal in his previous fight and against Komrit,” said Aldeguer. “He weighed only 110 pounds for Villareal. We had no intention of moving Milan all the way to flyweight but he wanted to fight for a title and the WBC Youth Intercontinental belt was the only one available. Milan didn’t mind it. But his ideal weight now is 108.”

Aldeguer said he’s learned from the failures of Rey (Boom Boom) Bautista and A. J. Banal not to force the issue.

“If you look at how champions like Juan Manuel Lopez and Wilfredo Vazquez, Jr. became champions, you’ll notice they didn’t make their move until they were close to or in their mid-20s,” continued Aldeguer. “It may be easy to win a title but keeping it for a long time is the real challenge. We don’t want to lose a title in the first or second defense. Donnie Nietes is now 27 and he’s enjoying a long reign as WBO minimumweight champion. That’s how we plan to guide Milan’s career.”

Aldeguer described Melindo as meticulous and methodical in mowing down Komrit.

“I received texts from my son Michael during the fight in Dubai,” said Aldeguer from his Cebu home. “The show started at 8:30 p.m. which was past midnight, Philippine time, and I waited until 3 a.m. to find out how our boys did. Komrit was no problem for Milan. I think Milan was the most impressive winner that night.”

Aldeguer confirmed that Melindo was close to fighting IBF lightflyweight champion Carlos Tamara of Colombia in a card being staged by Solar Sports here in June. But Tamara chose to take on a less dangerous challenger, Argentina’s Luis Lazarate, for more money.

“Although we’re not pushing for a title fight, we’ll consider whatever opportunity comes Milan’s way,” said Aldeguer. “For instance, we welcomed the chance to fight Tamara. But we’re not going out of our way to look for a title shot. Milan is mature for his age and we realize experience is important.”

In other fights, Bautista halted Thailand’s Saichon Sotornpitak at 1:59 of the sixth round in a featherweight bout and superbantamweight Larry (Bon Jovi) Canillas disposed of Tanzania’s Fred Sayuni, also in the sixth.

Bautista was mobbed by Filipino fans in Dubai wherever he went. Easily the most popular of the three Filipinos in the card, Bautista didn’t disappoint his fans as he brought down Saichon in devastating fashion. Bautista sent Saichon reeling across the ring with a combination in the first round but had to survive a rally and a cut over his left eye before finally, blasting the Thai into submission. Referee Ver Abainza stepped in after another combination, capped by a vicious right hook to the jaw, deposited Saichon to the canvas.

Bautista improved his record to 28-2, with 21 KOs, and will now embark on a US campaign that he hopes will lead to another crack at a world crown. When he was 21, Bautista was knocked out in the first round by WBO superbantamweight titlist Daniel Ponce de Leon in his first attempt to win a world title in 2007.

Canillas decked Sayuni twice in the sixth round, signaling a halt to the carnage. The Tanzanian left the ring with a badly swollen eye. A hard-hitting slugger, Canillas has now scored nine stoppages in 10 wins.

Aldeguer’s son Michael reported from ringside that it took Canillas a few rounds before finding his rhythm. Canillas was tight in the early going but once he got untracked, Sayuni had no chance.

“Milan was too good, he’s in a different class,” said Michael. “Boom Boom was entertaining, as usual. We just have to know at what level he is. Boom Boom is a promotional gem. Filipinos mobbed him everywhere. His popularity is incredible.”

Bautista, a crowd pleaser, came out of his corner smoking in the first round and for a while, it appeared that Saichon wouldn’t last long. But the Thai roared back, finding holes in Bautista’s porous defense. Bautista, however, regrouped and his power eventually broke Saichon’s will. It was Bautista’s second bout since undergoing hand surgery last year.

The three Filipino fighters are booked to arrive back in Manila tonight.
*source: philstar.com

Let's support our Filipino boxers who will be fighting in Dubai

2010-04-23T17:09:00.000-07:00

Go Pilipinas! Hopefully all our Pinoy pugs will win.

MELINDO OUTLASTS VILLAREAL IN A THRILLER

2010-01-14T16:41:00.000-08:00

Milan “Milenyo” Melindo of Cagayan de Oro City won by a close but unanimous ten round decision over Anthony “Baby Assassin” Villareal of the U.S. in front of a sell out crowd at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu City Thursday night.

Melindo (20W-0L, 5 KO’s) jumped on Villareal at the opening bell and scored a knockdown with his right hook. Villareal got up and tried to keep a safe distance by moving and jabbing.

The American found his range in the third and landed one-two combos but Melindo closed the distance and landed hard shots at the end of the round. In the 4th the shorter Melindo scored repeatedly with his jab and a right hook staggered Villareal again. Melindo continued to invest in body shots but Villareal was still standing and countered effectively.

In the fifth, Villareal tried to give Melindo different looks by switching to southpaw. Villareal continued to box from a distance but Melindo managed to cut off the ring. But the ALA gym fighter missed a lot of shots as Villareal was very slippery.

In a breathtaking seventh round, the fighters traded wicked hooks as Melindo landed rib rattling punches. Melindo landed the harder blows in the 8th and 9th but in a nail biting tenth round, Villareal hurt Melindo and pressed the initiative until the final bell.

* source: philboxing.com

RP boxers Melindo, Banal ready for challenge

2010-01-13T23:23:00.000-08:00

American Anthony Villareal got theatrical during Wednesday’s weigh-in for his 10-round title fight against Filipino challenger Milan Melindo when he showed up holding a slice of pizza at the SM Event Centre in Cebu City.

Although the defending World Boxing Council (WBC) youth international flyweight champion didn’t take a single bite, it was his way of sending a message that he came over to the country in top shape and fit to defend his title.

"This is our fight. Anthony’s got too much size, speed and power," said Villareal’s trainer Alberto Franco on his ward who is still undefeated in his last five fights and hold a 9-2 record with four KOs,

But the trick hardly sowed fear in Melindo’s heart.

"Kondisyon tayo. Hindi ako natatakot sa kanya (We are in good condition. I’m not afraid of him)," said the unbeaten Filipino challenger who boasts of a 19-0 record with five KOs.

Both fighters came in at the same weight of 109lbs, setting the stage for their title showdown Thursday night that serves as the main event of the "Bakbakan Sa Sinulog" boxing card at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel.

Comebacking bantamweight prospect AJ "Bazooka" Banal, a protégée of Cebu-based ALA Boxing Promotions, is seeing action in the main undercard of the boxing program as he takes on two-time world title contender Cecilio Santos of Mexico in another 10-round bout.

The 21-year old Banal (20-1, 16 KOs) has won his last three fights since that shocking first career loss to Rafael Concepcion of Panama at the Cebu Coliseum last year.

"Kinalimutan na po natin ‘yun (We already put that behind us)," he said of the setback to Concepcion. "Ang mahalaga nakabalik na tayo at ready na para sa laban na ito (What’s important is we regrouped and we’re now ready for the fight)."

Santos is already 31 and has a career record of 24-11 with 14 KOs.

But he has fought with the best in the past, including failed title bids against Dmitri Kirilov (International Boxing Federation super-flyweight crown) and Fernando Montiel (World Boxing Organization super-flyweight championship), as well as a loss against Wilfredo Vazquez Jr – the same man Marvin Sonsona will be facing for the WBO super-bantamweight belt next month.

Banal came in at 118lbs while Santos was a shade higher at 119.

Melindo and Banal later ate spaghetti, banana and mongo for lunch shortly after the weigh-in.

Smart Sports head Patrick Gregorio said Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) chairman Manny V. Pangilinan might come over on the day of the fight itself to watch the entire boxing promotion, spiced up with a pair of bouts featuring ABAP.

The other supporting events will have Filipino James Bacon taking on Thitichon Singwancha of Thailand in a 10-round featherweight bout and Larry "Bon Jovi" Canillas clashing with another Thai in Petch Twins Gym in a super-bantamweight slugfest for eight rounds.

*source: gmanews.tv

ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR “BAKABAKAN SA SINULOG”

2010-01-13T23:16:00.000-08:00

The ALA Gym's Milan Melindo and defending champion Anthony Villareal of the U.S. easily made the required catch weight of 110 lbs for their WBC Youth Intercontinental Flyweight title bout this Thursday January 14 at the Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, Cebu City.

Melindo weighed 109 and 1/2 lbs while Villareal, who brought a pizza with him during the weigh-in, weighed 109 lbs. Prior to the weigh-in, Melindo confidently repeated his prediction that he will knock his opponent out.

Cecilio Santos of Mexico weighed 119 lbs while his opponent, AJ Banal of the ALA Gym weighed 118 lbs. They will be the co-main event in this fight card billed as “Bakbakan sa Sinulog”.

For the supporting bouts, ALA gym rising prospect James Bacon (13-1-0,8 KO’s) will fight Thailand’s Thittichon Singwancha (12-3, 2KO ’s). Both weighed in at 128 lbs.

Larry “Bonjovi” Canillas (11-1-0 with 10 KO’s) will face Pet Twin Gym (8-3-1, 6 KO’s) also from Thailand. Both fighters made the superbantamweight limit of 122 lbs.

Jojo Intor weighed 120 lbs. and he will fight Romnick Hoybia, who weighed 121 lbs. in a four round contest.

The first pro bout will involve Jonel Gadapan who weighed 126 lbs. vs Jayson Inso who weighed 129 lbs. The weigh-in was held Wednesday noon at the SM Cebu Entertainment Center.

Four amateur national team members will be showcased in the undercards. Karina Jane Recaido vs Irish Magno will represent the women's squad, while Adonis Cabalquinto and Jimmy Vallares will show their wares for the men's team.

Fight time is at 7 PM Thursday. It will be shown on a slightly delayed basis on ABC 5 the same day. This big boxing event is a joint venture between communication giant SMART Sports and TV5 with ALA Promotions to launch its entry into professional boxing.

*source: philboxing.com

VILLAREAL SIGNS CONTRACT, READY TO GO

2010-01-13T23:12:00.000-08:00

After making demands for so-called “neutral judges” and refusing to fight Milan Melindo unless he got what he wanted, American WBC Youth Intercontinental champion Anthony Villareal, who puts his title on the line on Thursday in the main event of “Bakbakan sa Sinulog” eventually relented late Wednesday evening in a meeting with Games and Amusements Boxing Division chief Dr. Nasser Cruz and signed the bout contract.

Villareal reportedly complained that he was the victim of bum decisions in Los Angeles forgetting that he is an American and received alleged bum decisions in America.

According to ALA Promotions vice president Dennis Canete the Villareal handlers wanted to meet with the three judges assigned to the fight “to explain their side and to ask for a fair decision” if the fight goes the twelve round distance.

It was pointed out to them that when Z “The Dream” Gorres fought Vic Darchinyan in an IBF title eliminator in Cebu it was Filipino judge Jonathan Davis who scored the fight for Darchinyan which as a result ended in a draw.

We had earlier pointed to the fact that when Gorres fought Fernando Montiel for the WBO super flyweight title in Cebu in February 2007 he was robbed of the title in a split decision despite the fact that he had clearly out-boxed Montiel most of the way and American judge Danny Nelson scored the fight for Gorres by a wide margin.

In the press conference on Tuesday and the official weigh-in on Wednesday, Villareal had predicted he would hurt Melindo and knock him out.

One boxing aficionado said that if he’s going to knock Melindo out then you don’t need judges, you just need a referee who can count to ten and internationally respected New Zealand referee Bruce McTavish who has been assigned to handle the fight certainly knows how to count.

In stark contrast to Villareal, Mexico’s Cecilio Santos who got a bad decision in a title fight against Dimitri Kirilov which was called a draw, had no such demands and said he is here to fight and do his best.

Santos faces AJ “Bazooka” Banal in a bantamweight battle that is a major test for Banal who needs to prove that he is ready to move up and regain his status as a top world title contender.

Top photo: Villareal pulls a stunt by eating a pizza during the weighin Wednesday at the Event Center at SM Cebu.

*source: philboxing.com

Melindo out to unseat WBC intercontinental champ

2010-01-13T23:09:00.001-08:00

CEBU CITY – Anthony Villareal, the reigning WBC Youth Intercontinental flyweight champion from the United States, might just pay the price for taking Filipino challenger Milan Melindo lightly.

In yesterday’s official weigh-in at the SM Events Centre here, the 22-year-old Villareal tipped the scales like no other fighter has ever done before, holding on to a giant slice of pepperoni pizza for everyone to see.

He weighed in at 109 lb, way inside the limit of 112 lb, and smiled to the crowd, looking so confident of getting past the Pinoy pug who at 21, unbeaten in 19 professional fights, is considered a bright prospect.

Melindo, who weighed in at 109 1/2 and looked more serious, was not amused with Villareal’s antics.

“Bayaan mo siya (Let him be). Hindi ako natatakot sa kanya (I’m not afraid of him),” said Melindo after the weigh-in as he and his fellow boxers from the ALA stable gorged on spaghetti, boiled eggs and bananas at the center table of the SM foodcourt.

“Maganda ang pakiramdam ko para sa laban na ito (I feel good for this fight),” added Melindo of tonight’s 10-round contest which topbills the “Bakbakan Sa Sinulog” card presented by Smart and ALA Promotions at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino.

Melindo sparred for more than 200 rounds for this fight as his training stretched to three months following a cancellation of a fight supposed to take place a couple of months ago. He shrugged off the possibility of being burned out for this fight.

“Tama lang (It’s just enough),” he said.

In the main undercard, AJ “Bazooka” Banal faces an acid test against Mexico’s Cecilio “Boga” Santos in a 10-round, bantamweight contest.

Banal, whose unbeaten streak was snapped by Panama’s Rafael Concepcion at the Cebu Coliseum last year, vowed to get rid of the 31-year-old Mexican, with 24 wins, 11 losses and three draws.

“Kahit ilang rounds, ready ako sa kanya (I’m ready for him regardless of the number of rounds),” said Banal, 20-1-1, of the fight that should determine whether he truly deserves to be a world champion someday.

Banal smiled as he weighed in at 118 lb while Santos had to take off the last piece of clothing on him to weigh in an exactly 119 lb. The moment he got off the stage, he rehydrated himself with a bottle of pedialyte and a popular energy drink.

The STAR wanted to know if he had great difficulty making weight, but couldn’t get an answer rather than “No English. No English.”

To spice up the event which is part of Smart Communication’s journey into boxing promotion are four other professional bouts featuring James Bacon vs Thitichon Singwancha, Larry “Bon Jovi” Canillas vs Petch Twin Gym, Jojo Entor vs Romnick Hoybia and Jonel Gadapan vs Jayson Inso.

A couple fights featuring standouts from the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines which is headed by Smart/PLDT chairman Manny V. Pangilinan and Ricky Vargas, will kick off tonight’s boxing card.

*source: philstar.com

Q and A with Milan Melindo

2009-10-26T21:26:00.000-07:00

The top prospect currently in Boxing’s smallest weight class is Filipino Milan Melindo 19-0(5). Melindo is just 21 and already holds a win over former World champion Mohammed Rachman who was vastly more experienced but Melindo still won a unanimous decision. He trains with one of the current Strawweight world champions WBO ruler Donnie Nietes at the famed ALA gym other gym mates include Z Gorres, Mark Melligan, and AJ Banal. While The Strawweight division doesn’t get much attention it still produces good pro and Melindo may one day be the best Strawweight in the world.

Hello Milan, welcome to 15rounds.com

Hi to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright - Firstly congratulations on your recent win over Guadalupe Martinez. What can you tell us about this fight?

Milan Melindo - Thank you very much, Sir! As for my fight against Guadalupe Martinez I would say it is one of the toughest fight I had been into, it was not an easy fight. Martinez is a hard puncher with excellent ability and he is a knock-out artist and he was prepared.

I am happy to have that fight against tough fighter like Martinez because I gain more experience.

Anson Wainwright - Your rated in the top five by all four governing bodies, what way to a world title are you looking to go?

Milan Melindo -Yeah, I am in top five world rating of 4 governing bodies (WBA, WBO, IBF and WBC). With all the hard work in training I am happy that I have been noticed already. For a world title- I am waiting for any opportunity and it depends on my manager. My manager knows when would be the best time for me to shoot for the world title.

Anson Wainwright - How far from a title shot do you think you are?

Milan Melindo -Maybe a year, it depends on my manager.

Anson Wainwright - You won against Muhammad Rachman who is a former world champion with a lot of experience. What can you tell us about that fight and what your learnt from it?

Milan Melindo -Muhammad Rahman is a good veteran boxer and I learned a lot from that fight with him. That was not an easy fight too, I guess I have outpointed him because I am a thinking fighter.

Anson Wainwright - Though the Straw weight division isn’t that popular on a world scene there are several top fighters plying there trade there at the moment what do you think of WBC Oleydong Sithsamerchai WBA Roman Gonzalez WBO Donnie Nietes IBF Raul Garcia?

Milan Melindo -In our weight category , I am willing to face the WBC champion-Oleydong; WBA Roman Gonzalez and IBF Raul Garcia but I can’t fight my stablemate WBO Champion Donnie Nietes. I highly –respect “The Champ”, Donnie Nietes.

But as for the time when to fight for a world title it will depend on my manager. He know what’s best for me.

Anson Wainwright - Can you tell us about your life away from Boxing?

Milan Melindo -Hmmm. My life away from boxing is same with other 21 year old guys… I love to play basketball, billiard too and of course I love to play computer games- “Strategy game”.

Anson Wainwright - Growing up in the Philippines were times hard and how did you get into Boxing?

Milan Melindo -It was my father who likes boxing in fact he bought a pair of boxing gloves. When I was 6 years of age my father train and introduce me to the sport of boxing. Growing up at first I took boxing as a hobby because it was through this sport of boxing I was able to continue my study through a scholarship program. When I graduated high school- I decided to take the sports of boxing seriously to help my family’s financial needs.

Anson Wainwright - The Philippines is a poor country and Manny Pacquiao is giving your people much to cheer about. As a Filipino what can you tell us about the influence Manny has on you and your country?

Milan Melindo -I am very proud to be a Filipino because of Manny Pacquiao. Manny Pacquiao had opened more doors and opportunities for us Filipino boxers to fight abroad. I am proud of him and I am proud to be a Filipino.

Anson Wainwright - What can you tell us about ALA gym? It has a very good reputation around the world.

Milan Melindo -ALA Gym is a very excellent gym in the Philippines. For me, if you wish to be the best boxer and wishes to be a world champion someday. ALA Gym is best place to be. Why I would say so- because ALA Gym is known of it’s good reputation that is a fact and how they handle, train and treat their boxers on it’s unique way. Unique way – because they treat you as part of the family and as a son. The best part to be with ALA gym they teaches you especially Sir ALA the facts of life. I am proud and happy to be part of ALA Gym.

Anson Wainwright - Finally do you have a message for your fans?

Milan Melindo -To all the fans of boxing and to all my fans, thank you very much for all the support and prayers. I hope you will continue to pray and support me and the sports of boxing as a whole. Thank you, thank you, thank you very much!

*source: 15rounds.com

Photos of Recent Bout

2009-10-04T04:34:00.000-07:00

Melindo and Martinez during the bout.

Milan Melindo after the bout, together with chard1178 and crew.

Michael Domingo, Milan Melindo, Donnie Nietes, Coach Edito Villamor, Manila Paclanders (chard1178, Litmakuh) and crew.

* Photo source: chard1178 (Thank You)

News DOMINGO TKO'S NAVARRO; MILENDO DEFEATS MARTINEZ!

2009-10-03T01:10:00.000-07:00

Outstanding ALA fighter Michael Domingo impressively TKO'd former US Olympian Jose Navarro in the 8th round, making him the first man to stop the four-time world title challenger.

Navarro called it quits in between the seventh and eighth round, apparently unable to withstand the punches of the talented Pinoy fighter.

With the stoppage win, Domingo also beats out former world champions Cristian Mijares, Dmitri Kirilov, Masamori Tokuyama and Katsushige Kawashima who could not stop the former US Olympian.

Unbeaten ALA fighter Milan Milendo showed world-class potentials with a unanimous decision victory over tough Mexican hombre Guadalupe Martinez minutes ago at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Earlier, Filipino Al Sabaupan also defeated Josaphat Perez by unanimous decision.

*source: philboxing.com

MILENDO, DOMINGO IN "DUELO" CARD OCT. 3

2009-09-05T17:43:00.001-07:00

The already-exciting "Duelo Del Guapos" card on Oct. 3 at the Cuneta Astrodome just got even more explosive with the inclusion of two exciting matches featuring ALA fighters Milan Milendo and Michael Domingo going up against a Mexican and a former US Olympian.

The card, promoted by Solar Sports and Saved by the Bell, will be headlined by Filipino Drian Francisco against Roberto Vasquez for the vacant WBA International superflyweight crown.

ALA Gym's Michael Aldeguer, in a message to Philboxing.com last night, informed that Milendo will take on Mexican Ivan "Pollito" Meneses (14-5-1, 8 KO's) in a ten-round duel which will serve as the chief support to the card.

"This will be an explosive card from the bottom up to the main bouts. Fans will love this," said promoter Elmer Anuran of Saved by the Bell.

Milendo was originally training to face compatriot Denver Cuello on the "Island Assault" card in Hawaii recently, but Cuello could not secure a US visa in time for the fight, and organizers failed to inform parties that the fight would be a non-title go instead of being a WBC International tiff as earlier announced.

Domingo, who is considered one of the most underrated fighters in the country who helped notch one victory for the Philippines in its duel with Mexico at the "Boxing World Cup", will take on former US Olympian Jose Navarro (26-4, 12 KO's), whose four losses were all via decisions all in world title bouts.

Both Milendo and Domingo have been extensively training at the ALA Gym, and are poised to give fans their money's worth in this event which will also showcase Filipinos Michael Farenas and Al Sabaupan.
*source: philboxing.com

CURRENT WORLD MINI-FLYWEIGHT RANKINGS

2009-06-17T17:37:00.000-07:00

WBC WORLD MINI-FLYWEIGHT RANKINGS
* CHAMPION: Edgar Sosa - MEX

1 Yasutaka Kuroki - JPN
2 Juan Hernandez - MEX
3 Pigmy Muangchaiyaphume - THAI
4 Denver Cuello - PHI
5 Milan Melindo - PHI
6 Wanheng Menayothin - THAI
7 Nkosinathi Joyi - S.A
8 Omar Soto - P. RICO
9 Florante Condes - PHI
10 Carlos Perez - MEX

WBO WORLD MINI-FLYWEIGHT RANKINGS
* CHAMPION: Donnie Nietes - PHI

1 Milan Melindo - PHI
2 Pigmy Muangchaiyaphum - THAI
3 Florante Condes - PHI
4 Erik Ramirez - MEX
5 Walter Tello - PAN
6 Juanito Hernandez - MEX
7 Ronaldo Barrera - COL
8 Rammel Asenjo - PHI
9 Daniel Reyes - COL
10 Yader Escobar - NIC

WBA WORLD MINI-FLYWEIGHT RANKINGS
* CHAMPION - Roman Gonzales - NIC

1. KATSUNARI TAKAYAMA - JPN
2. YASUTAKA KUROKI - JPN
3. MILAN MELINDO - PHI
4. KWANTHAI CHOR NOR PATTALUNG - THA
5. FLORANTE CONDES - PHI
6. NKOSINATHI JOYI - S.A.
7. PIGMY MUANGCHAIYAPHUM - THA
8. YADER ESCOBAR - NIC
9. TOSHIKAZU WAGA - JPN
10. DENVER CUELLO - PHI

IBF WORLD MINI-FLYWEIGHT RANKINGS
*CHAMPION : Raul Garcia - MEX

1 NOT RATED
2 NOT RATED
3 Nkosinathi Joyi S.A.
4 Florante Condes PHI
5 Milan Melindo PHI
6 Ronald Barerra PHI
7 Yader Escobar NIC
8 Pornsawan Kratingdaenggym THA
9 Lorenzo Trejo MEX
10 Omar Soto MEX

2009-06-15T23:41:00.000-07:00

Held at the Mindanao Polytechnic State College, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Philippines on October 10, 2007.
Milam Melindo won via TKO on the 4th round.

Milan Melindo vs Ricardo Albia

2009-06-15T23:29:00.000-07:00

Held at the Sports and Cultural Complex, Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines on October 21, 2006. Milan Melindo won via TKO against Ricardo Albia.

Milan Melindo vs Muhammad Rachman

2009-06-12T20:43:00.000-07:00

source: www.asianboxingnews.com

source: www.pages.ph

Held at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines on March 14, 2009. Melindo (18W-0L) of the Philippines fought Muhammad Rachman (62W-6L-5D) of Indonesia on the Minimumweight Division.

Milan Melindo stepped up in class to win the biggest fight of his career, defeating aged former IBF minimumweight champion Muhammad Rachman via ten-round unanimous decision. Melindo was simply too fast for Rachman, who was slow and unable to pull the trigger.

For the first eight rounds, Melindo used his superior foot movement and hand speed to bewilder Rahman, who was content to plod forward, throwing one or two punches at a time.

Rachman was slightly more successfully in the later rounds but never really got untracked or landed any meaningful punches. The result was never in question. The judges’ scores: 97-93, 98-92, and a ridiculously close 96-94.