Wilfredo Mendez Set to Defend WBO 105 World Title in Panama
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 22 Jan 2020
PANAMA CITY, Panama -- WBO Minimumweight World Champion Wilfredo Méndez (15-1, 5 KO's) of Puerto Rico is set to make his second world title defense against unbeaten Ecuadorian Pedro Villegas (12-0, 4 KO's) on Saturday, February 8, here in Panama City, Panama.
The 23-year-old champion Wilfredo Méndez comes from defeating Mexican challenger Axel Aragón Vega (13-3-1, 8 KO's) last October for a successful first title defense. Prior to that, the quick southpaw outpointed Filipino champ Vic Saludar (20-4, 11 KO's) to conquer the WBO 105-pounds world strap in August of last year.
The undefeated, yet untested challenger Pedro Villegas is Wilfredo Mendez' next foe.
Would the much more accomplished Wilfredo Mendez easily ravage his Ecuadorian challenger Villegas for a triumphant second defense? Or will the unassuming Pedro Villegas, 21, shock and rock Wilfredo Mendez to achieve the unthinkable?
In one of the undercard bouts, Panamanian 115-pounder Orlando "El Jaguar" Peñalba (9-0, 2 KO's) wages the toughest fight of his life when he battles tough, more-experienced Keiver Fernández (20-0-1, 12 KO's) of Venezuela for the vacant WBO Latino Super Flyweight Belt.
Puerto Rican Wilfredo Mendez is set to defend his WBO 105 title February 8 in Panama.
"I am very happy to return to the ring and defend my title in Panama. I am working very hard to keep my title in Puerto Rico," said Wilfredo Méndez, the only Puerto Rican male boxing world champion today.
The card -- billed as "Torneo de Campeones OMB" (Tournament of Champions WBO) -- is a joint production of Puerto Rico Best Boxing Promotions in association with Panamanian promotion companies G & V Entertainment and Spartan Boxing.
In attendance during card's presentation press conference were promoters Peter Rivera and Diego Victoria, as well as WBO President Francisco "Paco" Varcarcel.
FILIPINOS IN THE WBO 105 WORLD RANKINGS
Four Filipino fighters are currently rated in the WBO Minimumweight (105 pound) world rankings:
Former World Champion Vic Saludar (20-4, 11 KO's) of Polomolok, Cotabato del Sur, is WBO # 2.
Unbeaten 23-year-old Robert Paradero (18-0, 12 KO's) of Valencia City, Bukidnon is WBO # 3.
Melvin Jerusalem (15-2, 9 KO's), 25 year-old orthodox fighter training in Cebu, is WBO # 6.
And 23-year-old Rene Mark Cuarto 18-2-2, 11 KO's) of Zamboanga del Norte is WBO # 9.
The author Carlos Costa is a Panamanian boxing reporter living in Asia. Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com and whatsapp +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
"When one goes to war we all go to war!" – Owen Corrigan challenges Mad Dog Micah Rivetti for Light Heavyweight title May 29 in Perth – Thunderdome 54
Tue, 14 Apr 2026Crocs FC wins 3 titles in Football sa Bayan
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Chess Kings Ready to Battle in Pacquiao 3x3 Chess Team Tournament at Lica Malls 500 Shaw
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Manguyab to debut in RFL
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Simsri Crushes Mendoza, Retains IBF 108-lbs Title; Could A Filipino Challenger Fight Simsri Next? (Analysis)
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Manny Pacquiao and Jas Mathur via Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announce Nine-Figure Team Boxing League Partnership, Launching Manny Pacquiao’s San Diego TJ’s Franchise
Tue, 14 Apr 2026Pabular loses by a split decision
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 14 Apr 2026DFBC dominates in Invitational Doubles
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Santisima Faces Undefeated Grigoryan for IBF Asia Title in Russia
Tue, 14 Apr 2026Jenn Perella excited to be fighting in front of family & friends on ‘Rumble at the Rink II’
Tue, 14 Apr 2026Angel Barrientes Training Camp Notes
Mon, 13 Apr 2026DFBC sweeps Dubai Filipino bowlfest
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 13 Apr 2026Middleweight Contender Vito Mielnicki Jr. Dominates Omar Huerta in Main Event at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City & Live on ProBoxTV
Mon, 13 Apr 2026Sergio Martinez returns with a victory at 51
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 13 Apr 2026Team USA Secures Three Gold Medals on Final Day of 2026 Gee Bee Boxing Tournament
Mon, 13 Apr 2026