MELINDO GETS A SECOND CHANCE AT A WORLD TITLE
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 05 Apr 2015
Former flyweight title challenger Milan Melindo gets a second chance at a world title when he faces Mexico?s Javier Mendoza for the IBF light flyweight crown in Mexico on May 9.
Melindo is currently training at the Wild Card Gym of Freddie Roach and is being handled by his trainer Edito ?Ala? Villamor.
Edito?s brother Edmund Villamor, the recent three-time winner of the ?Trainer of the Year? accolade at the ?Flash? Elorde annual awards and Banquet of Champions told the New Standard/boxingmirror.com that when he left Manila, Melindo who had dropped down to the light flyweight division was 10 pounds over the 108 pound limit but should have no trouble making the weight.
Edmund Villamor said they had watched tapes of Javier Mendoza and indicated he is a fighter who likes to come forward all the time which is the kind of opponent Milan likes to face because he could exploit his counter-punching ability.
Edmund Villamor believes Melindo has a good chance of winning the IBF title even though Mendoza will enjoy a hometown advantage.
The 27 year old Melindo has a record of 32 wins as against 1 loss with 12 wins coming by way of knockout.
His only loss was against the tough and talented Mexican Juan Francisco Estrada on July 27, 2013 at the Cotai Arena in Macau in a WBO/WBA flyweight title bout with Estrada who had earlier won the title with a close, split decision over two division world champion Brian Viloria also at the Cotai Arena in Macau on April 6, 2013.
Viloria did well in the first half of the fight but then inexplicably tried to slug it out with Estrada which cost him the title.
Melindo made the same mistake against Estrada who appeared to get stronger as the fight wore on.
It was a good fight until Melindo tried to slug it out with the hard-hitting Estrada and was dropped in the 11th round en route to a unanimous decision loss.
Melindo earned the title shot against Estrada with a 4th round TKO of Indonesia?s Tommy Seran on April 6, 2013.
Photo: Melindo (L) fought and lost to Mexican world champion Juan Francisco Estrada in Macau.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Apolinario to fight Hu in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 21 Apr 2025Warriors Shoot Down Rockets, 95-85 as Celtics, Cavaliers, Thunder Take Care of Business
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 21 Apr 20252025 USA Boxing International Open Finalized on Saturday
Mon, 21 Apr 2025Verano to face Thai in Clash of Nations on April 24
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 21 Apr 2025Masangkay to fight Ocampo in JAS on April 23
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Denver Holds Off LA Clippers in OT, 112-110
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Arca clinches 3rd and final IM norm; Guns for GM norm in last round
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025IN HER GOLDEN GIRL ERA: GABRIELA “SWEET POISON” FUNDORA SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDS UNDISPUTED TITLE AGAINST MARILYN BADILLO
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Fundora Retains Undisputed Flyweight Titles; Perez Shocks Conwell in Oceanside
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Dalton Smith Drops Mathieu German Three Times, Retains WBC Silver Title
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Filipino GM Antonio beats Serbia's IM for share of lead in Caberra Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Villanueva to fight Antaran on April 27 in Gensan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 20 Apr 2025MASOUD AND MCGRAIL CLASH IN ALL-BRITISH SHOWDOWN
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Semifinals Conclude at 2025 USA Boxing International Open
Sun, 20 Apr 2025FM Arca is inching closer to his 3rd and final IM norm
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025