MACAU–Here we go! Today’s the biggest day in Milan Milendo’s fistic career as all the hard work, blood, sweat and tears come down to one definitive date with glory as he challenges dual flyweight king, the WBO/WBA champion Juan Francisco ‘El Gallo’ Estrada of Mexico today at the glitzy Cotai Arena of the Venetian Resort and Casino, here.
WEIGH-IN. The official weigh-in yesterday, supervised by no less than WBO president Francisco Valcarcel and WBO Asia Chairman Leon Panoncillo, went smoothly well, thanks to the well-organized China Professional Boxing Organization (CPBO) handled by Panoncillo.
Another Cebu-based fighter, the undefeated Genesis ‘Azukal’ Servania, defends his WBO Asia Pacific title against Japan’s Konosuke Tomiyama.
Both Estrada and Milendo came in at an identical 111.6 lbs, well below the 112-lb regulatory limit of the flyweight division.
OFFICIALS. Referee for the Estrada-Milendo bout is good friend Raul Caiz Sr. of the US, while judges are Takeshi Shimakawa of Japan, Rafael Ramos of USA, and Zoltan Enyedi of Hungary.
As for the Servania-Tomiyama tussle, referee will be Danrex Tapdasan, while judges are yours truly, Sawaeng Thaweekon of Thailand and Takeshi Shimakawa of Japan.
Prior to yesterday’s weigh-in, we had a chance to speak briefly with promoter Bob Arum at the media center, and he told us he is expecting a great fight between the two warriors. Arum is also very optimistic that the arena will be filled to capacity owing to the tremendous drawing power of Chinese superstar Zou Shiming.
I also spoke to WBO president Paco Valcarcel, where he told me he will be at ringside on August 1 for the Ambunda-Kameda showdown at the Waterfont Hotel. “I also would like to meet up with Tony and Michael Aldeguer for an important matter,” Valcarcel stated.
MAIN EVENT. The Zou Shiming vs. Jesus Ortega bout in the main event is what pays the bill for today’s mammoth card. The legendary Leon Panoncillo will be the supervisor, while judges are myself, Adelaide Byrd of the US and Sawaeng Thaweekon of Thailand.
Here’s hoping we do justice to all these fighters.
SIGHTINGS. Yesterday’s weigh-in came with some of the sports biggest names in attendance. Superstar ring announcer Michael Buffer and heir to the throne Lupe Contreras were at their best…GAB Chairman Monju Guanzon is also here to support the Filipino fighters…WBO president Paco Valcarcel and top officials John Duggan and Luis Perez are also in town…Bambam Rios, who will take on Manny Pacquiao this November, was also seen along with trainer Robert Garcia…Of course, promoter Bob Arum and wife Lovee could be seen enjoying the proceedings…