
A BETTER ALTERNATIVE TO A MELINDO VS. PETALCORIN
By Ed de la Vega, DDS
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 27 May 2017

Randy Petalcorin?s challenge to new IBF 108 lbs champion Milan Melindo sounds interesting. But unless the IBF mandates it, that?s where it should end.
At least for now!
Petalcorin and his handlers had been calling out Melindo since the latter won the IBF belt via a stunning 1st round KO over a heavily favor Japanese pug Akira Yaegashi. Petalcorin is even greasing his words by saying that Melindo is ?the best amongst the current Filipino belt holders? and he ?wants to fight the best? with the hopes that Melindo and his handlers at the ALA Promotions will bite.
Petalcorin and his handlers, in my opinion are barking on the wrong tree.
While it is true that other countries like Mexico match their champions against fellow Mexicans, I believe it is too early for Filipinos to be doing that.
We have a small pool of boxers and less than a handful of world champions. Why not work towards getting more belt holders instead?
I know others have said in the past that a Filipino vs Filipino for a world title belt ?will revive boxing in the country.?
Huh? Who said it?s dying anyway?
It would probably be better if the good folks at Sanman Promotions that represent Petalcorin would find ways to work hand-in-hand with folks at the ALA Promotions that represent Melindo.
Forget the perceived ?rivalry?. Work together and put up a great fight card.
JC Manangquil and Michael Aldeguer are two young promoters who are the best amongst the best in the country. They are not only smart businessmen but also well connected with foreign promoters. More importantly, they have the resources, the ability, the people and connections to make things happen.
Together, they can move mountains!
But they should cast away everything petty and in an unprecedented move, work together as a team.
Wouldn?t it be nice if they pool their resources together and in an extraordinary move challenge the Japanese champions?
Then together they can promote a huge boxing card featuring two Filipinos against two Japanese for world title belts.
If that happens, they can put the fight up at any venue, particularly in Cebu and a sell-out guaranteed.
More importantly, it will quiet the critics that often say that boxing in the country is dying.
After all how much more can a fight card be better than having two great Filipino 108 pounders fighting for belts in the same card with two of the best Filipino boxing promoters working together bayanihan style, to make it happen?
Unprecedented, perhaps even a mirage.
But with the correct attitude and lots of hard work, it can happen!
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ed de la Vega, DDS.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
“I’M ONLY GETTING BETTER”: CONFIDENT PAT McCORMACK PLOTS HUGE HOMECOMING WIN OVER MIGUEL PARRA TO SPARK WORLD TITLE CHARGE
Thu, 28 Aug 2025Heart of a Lion: 'Lucky Boy' Reymark Alicaba Earns Praise Despite Loss by Points in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 28 Aug 2025Dante Kirkman Looks to be the First Fighter to Stop Dylan Carlson
Thu, 28 Aug 2025Shawn Darling Inducted into New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame
Thu, 28 Aug 2025Arca wins 13th Mindanao Open chessfest
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 28 Aug 2025Carzano rules FIDE-Rated Open Rapid Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 28 Aug 2025Pythons-Primo wins 5 golds, 3 silvers, 2 bronzes in Kadayawan judo
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 28 Aug 2025Crawford to Be Stripped of WBA Title Once He Climb the Ring to Fight Canelo
By Dong Secuya, Wed, 27 Aug 2025Sebastian Juarez Remains Undefeated with Captivating 4th Round TKO Over Louis Hernandez
Wed, 27 Aug 2025Jajaira Gonzalez Prepared to Meet the Moment at 2025 World Boxing Championships
Wed, 27 Aug 20252 Division & Former Unified World Champion Juan Francisco Estrada Confirmed for Eighth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Saturday September 13, in Las Vegas
Wed, 27 Aug 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 25 AUGUST 2025
By Eric Armit, Tue, 26 Aug 2025Magpily rules PH National Women's Elimination - Luzon Leg
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 26 Aug 2025Carlos De Leon Shines with 2nd Round TKO, Remains Undefeated on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 14
Tue, 26 Aug 2025GM Daniel Quizon Wins 4th Edition Eduardo B. Basilonia Touchmove Open Invitational Rapid Chess Tournament; pockets P100,000
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 26 Aug 2025