Fans welcome Pinoy boxers in Macau
Macau, China—The saber-rattling is expected to intensify today when the main protagonists of Top Rank Promotions “Fists of Gold II” – WBO and WBA Super World flyweight champion Juan Francisco ‘El Gallo’ Estrada of Mexico and WBO Intercontinental flyweight champion Milan ‘El Metodico’ Melindo of the Philippines will meet in the card’s final presscon at the Venetian Macao Resort and Casino, here.
The event, to be headline by Top Rank big boss Bob Arum, is scheduled at 11 a.m. with verbal fireworks expected from both Melindo (29-0,12KOs) and Estrada (24-2,18KOs).
Estrada won his dual titles by beating Fil-Hawaiian Brian Viloria last April also at the Venetian where Melindo fought and won in the undercard.
Melindo has since vowed to bring back the two titles to the Philippines.
The press briefing will also feature fast rising Chinese prospect Zou Shi Ming who will banner the fight card against Jesus Ortega of Mexico.
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Meanwhile, Filipino overseas workers here mixed with the predominantly Chinese crowd in welcoming the protagonists during an official welcome party at the main lobby of the Venetian Hotel.
Melindo and fellow ALA Gym stalwart Genesis ‘Azukal’ Servania were among the fighters introduced to the crowd.
Servania will be making his overseas debut against former world title challenger Konosuke Tomiyama of Japan.
The stars of this Top Rank card will be the two Chinese boxers, Zou Shiming of mainland China and Rex Tso of Hong Kong.
Zou, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, entered the Venetian lobby amidst loud cheers. He was accompanied by trainer Freddie Roach. Zou will make his second pro fight against Jesus Ortega of Mexico. Zou beat another Mexican, Eleazar Valenzuela by unanimous decision in his pro debut last April.
Tso, the Asia Boxing Council continental champion, will be facing Rusalee Samor of Thailand.
Meanwhile, ALA Promotions VP Dennis Cañete spoke to Cebu Daily News before the event and stressed the importance of Melindo’s fight.
“Our promotions are getting bigger and fans demand more success. We survived the loss of BoomBoom Bautista but we know fans will be turned off if we suffer consecutive losses,” Cañete said.
Cañete arrived last Tuesday along with ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer.
Also presented during the card’s grand opening were IBF featherweight champion Evgeny Gradovich of Russia and his challenger Mauricio Javier Munoz of Argentina.
