MACAU– The hopes of the entire Filipino nation rests on the broad shoulders of Milan ‘El Metodico’ Melindo today as the ALA Gym star battles Mexican Juan Francisco ‘El Gallo’ Estrada for the latter’s WBO/WBA flyweight belts.
Estrada and Melindo tipped the scales at an identical 111.6 lbs during the official weigh-in held Friday afternoon at the Cotai Arena and hosted by Lupe Contreras and Michael Buffer.
Estrada (24-2, 18 KOs) earned the dual titles by beating Fil-Hawaiian Brian Viloria at the same venue last April.
Melindo (29-0, 12 KOs) faces the daunting task of plugging the country’s recent string of painful losses particularly those of Manny Pacquiao, Nonito Donaire and Viloria.
The unbeaten Melindo however, said he is ready to wage war and will try to bring the two titles back to the Philippines.
UNDERCARD PINOYS MAKE WEIGHT
Melindo’s stablemate Genesis ‘Azukal’ Servania (21-0, 8 KOs) who will have his first international fight against Konosuke Tomiyama (23-5-1 8KOs) of Japan came in at 121.6 lbs while his opponent was half a pound heavier. Servania will stake his unbeaten record and his WBO Asia-Pacific title belt.
The third Filipino in this blockbuster card is Dave Peñalosa (123 lbs), who will face substitute Thai Ngaotawa Sithsaithong (124.8 lbs) in a six rounder. Dave was first reported to face Wisaruth Wor Khunkhiri of Thailand. Last April, the 22 year-old Peñalosa knocked out Thai Cheroenchai Sithsaithong in two rounds.
Dave’s elder brother Dodie Boy Jr. will be fighting in the undercard of Manny Pacquiao’s fight against Brandon Rios this November, also in Macau.
Peñalosa and Sithsaithong will open the Top Rank Promotions card at 6 p.m. at the Cotai Arena.
MAIN EVENT
“Fists of Gold II” is headlined by China’s two-time Olympic gold medal winner Zou Shiming, who will have his second pro outing against Jesus Ortega of Mexico. Zou weighed in at 111.4 lbs while Ortega was at 111.6 lbs.
The other world title on the line is the IBF featherweight belt of Evgeny Gradovich (125.75 lbs) of Russia who will defend it against Maurico Muñoz (125.75 lbs) of Argentina.
Two unbeaten heavyweights will add more firepower to the proceedings with Joe Hanks (236.8 lbs) battling Andy Ruiz Jr. (254.4 lbs). Also fighting in the undercard are Hong Kong’s Rex Tso (116.4) and Thai Rusalee Samor (116.4).