No dead-end for bleeder Melindo
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 03 Jan 2018
Brutally battered, slugger Milan Melindo, 29, looked every bloodied inch headed for boxing?s wasteland at the start of the new year.
Don?t tell that to his excitable handlers.
ALA Stable CEO Michael Aldeguer said they had big plans for the methodical small puncher, who relinquished his IBF light flyweight crown in Tokyo a few hours before the close of 2017.
Melindo lost his crown in 12 rounds to a tall and crafty Japanese WBA title holder but, as things stood at the final bell, he remains a big sell in Tokyo. He had fans at the edge of their seats the whole night.
He started strong, but allowed himself to be dominated at the start of the second half.
He resurged briefly, before wilting in blood and agony to surrender his crown.
They lost to a better fighter, said his chief trainer Edito Villamor. Yes and no.
Melindo threw enough number of punches. But he didn?t lose plainly, he got sorely beaten.
Looking back, it would become clear that it was neither his short reach nor blinding blood that caused ultimate defeat.
More clearly, it was his inferior defense. Melindo had the silly habit of leaving his stiff head an easy target. He would often sacrifice and offer to receive in order to land a few licks of his own.
There are big plans but no apparent change in the ring methodology.
For example, Melindo should be taught to launch and land solid shots. It?s a must for him to avoid the throwing of half-baked bombs.
This could be misunderstood or misinterpreted. But as things stand, Melindo connects punches that are powered mainly by great grunts, windy facial meanness.
He wields a terrific jab, but his punches often emanate from the shoulders, instead of the main seat of power in the lower body.
He often ends up delivering virtual slaps, his shots devoid of snap and sting.
Of Melindo?s recorded 37 wins, only 13 came via knockout.
His handlers need not go to Roach and Beristain for secrets and pointers on how to deliver airtight knockouts.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Indiana, Denver Tie Semis Series, 2-2, in Contrasting Fashion
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 13 May 2024Dableo sweeps Sicilian Prodigy tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 13 May 2024Taniguchi Stops Absede in 5; Japan Goes 3 for 5 in Korea
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 13 May 2024COPA Summer Novice Age Group on May 18
Mon, 13 May 2024Paras Upsets Kyugochi in S. Korea; Kyugochi Mulls Retirement
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sun, 12 May 2024PJ Williamson Leads Dallas Over OKC, 105-101; Boston Tops Cleveland Anew, Moves Ahead 2-1
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sun, 12 May 2024Quezon City, Cavite advance to PCAP Quarter Finals
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 12 May 2024Aktibo Dabawenyo Grassroots chess clinic 2 set May 22 & 25 at GMall
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 12 May 2024Perth Plus: Loma Claims Lightweight Title in Down Under Super Fight
Sun, 12 May 2024Vince Paras Secures Redemption in Rematch Against Former Champion Hiroto Kyoguchi
Sun, 12 May 2024LOMACHENKO DOMINATES, STOPS KAMBOSOS IN 11TH ROUND
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 12 May 2024GEORGE KAMBOSOS JR. VS. VASILIY LOMACHENKO TALE OF THE TAPE
By Maloney L. Samaco, Sun, 12 May 2024Masbate looms as boxing hub
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 12 May 2024Mexican Warriors Collide: Rafael Espinoza-Sergio Chirino Featherweight World Title Battle Set for June 21 at BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas on ESPN+
Sun, 12 May 2024Teen prodigy Jirah Floravie Cutiyog captures Imus Open rapid chess title
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 12 May 2024