MILENDO, EFFENDI READY TO WAGE WAR!
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 05 Mar 2008
MANDAUE CITY--Both ALA Boy Milan Milendo, the reigning WBO Asia Pacific minimumweight champion, and his Indonesian opponent Sofyan Effendi yesterday vowed to give fans their money's worth when they throw leathers at each other on Friday in the main event of the 9-bout "Do or Die: Power of Two" card at the Mandaue Sports and Cultural Complex.
The event is presented by the ALA Promotions with the support of Pepsi Cola Products, Phils, Norkis Group of Companies courtesy of Luigi Quisumbing, and the Mandaue City Government led by Mayor Jonas Cortes.
For Milendo, this will be a do-or-die proposition, as a win is a sure ticket for him to fight abroad according to his manager Michael Aldeguer. A loss, however, will bring the Cagayan de Oro City native steps back in his career.
Effendi, who arrived in Cebu with veteran trainer Mario Lumacad of the Johnny Elorde Stable, told mediamen in a press conference at Sugbahan Restaurant this morning that he has trained hard for this fight, and will push to the end until he gets a win for his country.
Top photo: ALA Boy Milan Melindo (R) faces off with Indonesia's Sofyan Effendi during yesterday's press con at the Sugbahan Restaurant in Mandaue.
ALA Gym President Michael Aldeguer talks to the media during yesterday's presscon for the Melindo-Effendi fight schedule this Friday at the Mandaue City Sports Complex. With him are from left, Sofyan Effendi of Indonesia, Dennis Canete, Milan Melindo and Weng Haya.
"Effendi is a slugger. I was in Indonesia and trained fighters for ten years. Effendi was a small boy, but he was always part of the group. He will give Milendo a real fight," said the 70-year-old trainer Lumacad.
Also present at today's press conference were sportsman Antonio L. Aldeguer and his son Michael, Dennis Canete, Edito Villamor, and Chad Canares.
For 21-year-old Rey Caitom, who trains the 20-year-old Milendo, his ward has sparred and trained enough for this fight.
Among those sparmates tapped to prepare Milendo is Jether Oliva, described by ALA vice-president Dennis Canete as "a future star," who is also seeing action in the undercard against Butuan's Roel Honor.
Official weigh-in takes place on Thursday at the Games and Amusements Board office in Cebu.
ALA Boy Weng Haya, another prospect, will get his acid test when he tangles with tough veteran Pedro Malco in the ten-round chief support.
Jason Pagara takes on Bukidnon's William Jorge in an 8-round battle.
A special bout takes place when Steven "Joaquin Bordado" Garrett of Texas, USA makes his professional debut against Eman Labanza of Tagbilaran City.
The 24-year-old Garrett, a former US soldier who saw action in Iraq, has been training at the ALA Gym for two months after a six-month Muay Thai training in Bangkok, Thailand.
Comebacking Sherwin Paro will take on Nelson Llanos in a six-rounder; Jerson Mancio battles Ed Earl Orellano; Rey Las Pinas takes on Renan Branzuela; and Blackie De Zosa tangles with Allan Jay Tunacao.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
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