MELINDO TO FACE JUAREZ FOR IBF NO. 1 LIGHT FLYWEIGHT SPOT
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 09 Oct 2014
Former WBO flyweight challenger Milan Melindo has dropped down in weight and will face Mexico?s Saul ?Baby? Juarez for the No. 1 spot of the International Boxing Federation rankings in the junior flyweight division on November 15 at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu.
Melindo is currently ranked No. 5 by the IBF while Juarez is No. 8. The IBF title is at present, vacant.
ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told the Manila Standard/Viva Sports that the Melindo-Juarez clash will be featured on the undercard of WBO light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes? voluntary title defense against another Mexican Carlos Velarde who is ranked No, 10 by the WBO.
Although Velarde?s signed, the contract hasn?t been received as yet, Aldeguer said he was given an assurance by Zanfer Promotions headed by Fernando Beltran that the signed contract would be sent shortly.
Trainer Edito ?Ala? Villamor said Melindo had no problem moving down to light flyweight and indicated that his training was terrific just like Nietes.
The two spar against each other with former OPBF flyweight champion Rocky Fuentes also joining in.
Both Nietes and Melindo are working with well-known American strength and conditioning coach Nick Curson who was credited with getting Nietes into his devastating best when he scored a smashing 9th round knockout over mandatory challenger Moises Fuentes in a rematch last May 10 after dropping the Mexican three times in the same round at the Mall of Asia Arena by Manila bay.
Melindo?s opponent Juarez is 23 years old and has a record of 20-3 with 11 knockouts. He is coming off back-to-back eight round decisions over tough Luis Ceja last February 8 and Erick Lopez last May 31.
The 26 year old Melindo has an impressive record of 31-1 with 12 knockouts and last fought on May 10 when he scored a majority decision over rugged Martin Tecuapetla in a defense of his WBO International flyweight title which he won via a unanimous twelve round decision against Jose Alfredo Rodriguez on November 30, 2013.
Melindo lost in his bid to win the WBO flyweight title in a classic battle with Jose Francisco Estrada on July 27, 2013 after Estrada won the title from former two division world champion Brian Viloria. Both title fights were held at the classy Cotai Arena of the Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino in Macau.
Photo: Milan Melindo (R) connects at Tecuapetla during Melindo last outing.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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