Tough Mexicans coming over for Pinoy Pride VIII

Milan Melindo and two other ALA boxers are in for a tough battle as three Mexican boxers will be flying in for the Pinoy Pride 8: Philippines vs. Mexico on Sept. 10 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

The card’s main event will feature Melindo who will stake his unbeaten record against highly-rated Francisco “Chiquita” Rosas (22W-13KOs-8L-2D).

Melindo, who is unbeaten in 24 fights with eight knockout wins and Rosas will fight for the vacant WBO Intercontinental Flyweight title.

The main undercards will have Jason “El Niño” Pagara (27W-16KOs-1L) going up against Rosbel “Lobito” Montoya (12W-11KOs-2L-1D) while undefeated Genesis Servania (14W-5KOs) will slug it out with Gerson “El Nene” Guerrero (34W-26KOs-8L.)

“This would be a historical moment. This has never been done that three Mexican boxers are coming in,” said ALA Promotions head Michael Aldeguer in yesterday’s press briefing at the Cebu Grand Hotel.

Aldeguer said Rosas will be a big test for the 23-year-old Melindo, who is still waiting for that break to earn a world title fight.

“We’re working hard to put him in a world title fight. Hopefully, with this upcoming fight against a tough Rosas, the boxing world will take notice that Milan be given an opportunity to fight for a world title,” said Aldeguer.

Milendo has been itching for a world title fight so eager that he surprised sports writers with his answer when asked which victory he considered the most special.

“There’s nothing special in those wins because none of them were world title fight,” said Melindo, a native of Cagayan de Oro City.

Aldeguer said Melindo has promised not to go home to his hometown until he becomes a world champion.

Melindo said in his six years with ALA Gym, he has only gone home once when he fought in Cagayan de Oro in October 2010. He has been idle for almost six months. His last fight was against Rosendo Vega whom he knocked out last March 19.

“The long layoff won’t be a problem since I keep myself active in the gym,” said Melindo.

The card will also have Roma Rate of Mandaue City, Melvin Gumban of Bacolod City, Mark Acub of Antique, Ralph Lulu and Gilbert Magos but their opponents have yet to be known except for Mark Vincent Bernaldez of Butuan City who will face Cris Leon of Sajulga Stable in Bukidnon.