World title fight up next for Fuentes, Milan sees victory

After years of disposing top Japanese prospects in Japan, OPBF flyweight champion Rocky “The Road Warrior” Fuentes (33-6-2, 20KOs) will finally get a chance to fight for a world title.

But first, the Cebuano warrior needs to dispose of Japan-based Korean Myong Ho Lee in the co-main event of ALA Boxing Promotions’ Pinoy Pride XVI: Venezuelan Invasion this Saturday night at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

The good news was announced yesterday by ALA Boxing Promotions President Michael Aldeguer during the official press conference of PPXVI at the Aegian Room of Waterfront Hotel.

The fight will be Fuentes’ first in Cebu after racking up a 13-win streak on the road.

“Rocky is a very dangerous fighter, hopefully a world title fight will come next year for him. We will look into it and do our best to make it happen,” said Aldeguer.

“I’ll do my best to win because it will give me a chance to fight for a world title,” said Fuentes.

Lee meanwhile, considers his fight with Fuentes as his biggest break. He is also toting a 13-win streak, part of a 15-1, 5KOs pro record.

“It’s an honor to fight a champion like Fuentes because I have been waiting for this chance for a long time. And now that it has finally come, I will do my best to win,” said Lee.

Fuentes is ranked No. 3 flyweight by the WBO and WBC and No. 2 by the WBA. A win this Saturday will definitely boost his standing in the three boxing bodies.

FIGHT PLAN A SECRET

Meanwhile, WBO International flyweight champion and topranked Milan “El Metodico” Melindo remained mum about his fight plan against former WBA flyweight king Jean Piero Perez of Venezuela (19-4-1,14KOs) and prefers his fans to watch the fight and find out for themselves.

“I assure everyone of a great fight because I am very excited to see what strategies he will showcase in the ring,” said Melindo of Perez who is currently ranked No. 4 by the WBA.

Perez a former Venezuelan national team member together with the late Edwin Valero, already trained for two months for a fight in Mexico which was cancelled.

“Melindo is a very good boxer but we will keep our strategy confidential as of this moment, we want everyone to witness Perez’s excellence in the ring this Saturday night,” said Perez’s trainer Francisco Arroyo.

On the other hand, Bago City’s boxing star Arthur “El Matador” Villanueva (19-0,12KOs) will fight his first foreign foe in veteran Pramuansak “The Machine Gun” Phosuwan of Thailand who holds a record of 45 wins, four losses, one draw and 24 KOs.

Also fighting in the undercard will be Bacolod City’s Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo who will battle Bimbo Nacionales of Saranggani Province.

The official weigh-in of PPXVI will be held today at the SM City Cebu.