Banal and Melindo Headline “Bakbakan sa Sinulog”
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 15 Dec 2009
ALA Promotions and Smart Communications formally launched the first big fight card for Cebu in 2010 billed as “Bakbakan sa Sinulog” during a press conference held Monday evening at the Sports Exchange Bar and Grill in Cebu City.
Milan “Milenyo” Melindo will face Anthony Villareal of California for the WBC Youth Intercontinental flyweight title while AJ “Bazooka” Banal will fight Cecilio “Boga” Santos of Mexico in a non-title bout in this fight card to be held at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino on Thursday January 14, 2010.
The press conference was attended by Michael Aldeguer and Dennis Canete of ALA Promotions and Patrick Gregorio, the Head of Sports Marketing-Special Products of Smart Communications and boxers Melindo and Banal. ABC-5 will be handling the television coverage for the Sinulog fight card.
Mr. Gregorio emphasized their organization's commitment to boxing as they have been providing support to our amateur boxing team. They have joined forces with ALA Promotions and will now provide support for the professional side of the sport.
There are also plans that part of the proceeds for this fight card will assist Z Gorres and his family while the ALA boxer is still recovering in Las Vegas and will have to undergo physical therapy.
Melindo will be moving up in weight from 105 lbs. for his upcoming fight. He is highly ranked in all organizations but will obviously not challenge stable mate Donnie Nietes for his WBO title. Melindo will be fighting for a world title in another organization if he wins this fight. Standing in his way is the Villareal, the defending WBO Youth Intercontinental titlist who is known as the “Baby Assassin”.
The fight will be at a “catchweight” of 110 lbs. Melindo is undefeated in 19 fights with 5 KO’s while Villareal has a record of 9 wins – 2 losses with 4 KO’s.
Banal is also ripe for a world title shot as he has won three fights this year, two by knockout. He will be facing a veteran Mexican boxer who has fought for a world title four times and has faced world class opposition like Fernando Montiel, Dimitri Kirilov and Anselmo Moreno. Banal expressed confidence that he is ready for another world title shot next year against any belt holder.
Top photo (L-R): ALA President Michael Aldeguer, AJ Banal, Milan Melindo and Smart's Patrick Gregorio pose during Monday night's presscon at the Sports Exchange Bar & Grill at Mango Square in uptown Cebu. Photo by Dong Secuya.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
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