MELINDO FLASHES OLD BRILLIANCE TO WIN COMEBACK FIGHT
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 11 Jan 2023
CEBU CITY -- Former world champion Milan 'El Metodico' Melindo flashed the old virtuoso in him that made him an elite fighter to win by unanimous decision against the naturally bigger Chaiwat Buatkrathok of Thailand at the rain-soaked Cebu City Sports Center Wednesday night promoted by Prime Stag Sports. Melindo also won the OPBF silver title after he got the nod of the three judges with scores of 98-92, 98-92 and 97-93.
Fighting at featherweight (126 lbs) which is five weight classes higher that his old fighting weight at light flyweight (108 lbs), The 5-feet-two Melindo made mincemeat of Buatkrathok with his patented combinations to the body and head that caught the Thai pressure fighter with clean punches all night.
Buatkrathok who is three inches taller and naturally have longer reach, tried to smoother and run over the smaller Melindo and at times did caught the Filipino with thudding punches but by and large was the recipient of Melindo's solid counter punches. It appeared though that Buatkrathok could handle Melindo's power otherwise he would not be able to finish the fight on his feet. It also appeared that Melindo who was practically inactive since losing to Junto Nakatani in 2019, had lost steam in the later rounds when the Thai was ready to be taken out.
Melindo earlier said that he aims to drop down to superfly (115 lbs) to be in the mix with the elite fighters of the division that includes old nemesis Juan Francisco Estrada and Chocolatito Gonzalez. The stopover at 126 was necessary since he was walking at 140 lbs before tonight's fight.
With the win, Melindo has improved his record to 39-5-0, 14KOs. Buatkrathok dropped to 38-8-0, 25KOs.
In the co-main event Noli James Maquilan (5-1-0, 3KOs) upset Prime Stag's erstwhile undefeated Kit Ceron Garces (5-1-0, 4KOs) with a UD victory over eight rounds. All three judges gave the nod to Maquilan with identical scores of 78 to 74.
Other results:
Alvin Camique (5-1-0, 1KO) defeated Marco Pomar (4-2-0, 2KOs) by UD over 8 rounds.
Carlo Bacaro (10-0-0, 6KOs) won by UD over tough journeyman Ryan Sermona (21-12-1 14KOs)
Ken Albert Billita (1-1-0, 0KO) and John Rey Labajo (0-1-0) drew after 4 rounds.
Kier Torregosa (2-2-1, 1KO) defeated Henry Flor (0-3-0) by UD.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Fight options for Manny
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 05 Jul 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The World Cup: a great celebration of peace and joy
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Sun, 05 Jul 2026Abdullah Mason vs Albert Bell Debuts DAZN/TNT Sports Deal
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 04 Jul 2026Jonas Magpantay advances to the quarterfinals
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 04 Jul 2026Weigh-In Results: Abdullah Mason vs. Albert Bell
Sat, 04 Jul 2026All Set for the All-Undefeated Clash Between Christopher Guerrero and Delante 'Tiger' Johnson Tomorrow Night in Cleveland
Sat, 04 Jul 2026Brave Alvin "Felemon" Dologuin Bested in Australia
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 04 Jul 2026BKFC TRIUMPHANTLY RETURNS TO NEWARK’S PRUDENTIAL CENTER ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
Sat, 04 Jul 2026Tony Yoka forced to withdraw from Murat Gassiev WBA heavyweight title shot due to back injury
Sat, 04 Jul 2026Recarte Tiauson wins Canlaon chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 04 Jul 2026Press Conference Notes: Abdullah Mason and Albert Bell Set for All-Ohio World Title Clash Saturday LIVE on TNT & DAZN
Fri, 03 Jul 2026Dologuin Fights Alsayyad: Flyweight Showdown Today in Australia
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 03 Jul 2026Enano to fight for IBO Oceania featherweight title
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 03 Jul 2026IM Garcia captures National Open chess title
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 03 Jul 2026Open Workout: Abdullah Mason and Albert Bell Prepare For Saturday's All-Ohio World Title Showdown
Thu, 02 Jul 2026