Melindo vows to rise again after defeat

MACAU—A very disappointed Milan Melindo faced members of the media an hour after he lost by unanimous decision to WBA/WBO flyweight champion Juan Francisco Estrada of Mexico.

Melindo had a bandage below his left eye when he spoke during the post-fight press conference at the Venetian Macau Ballroom.

He congratulated Estrada for retaining his title.  “I learned a lot,” he said. “Fighting a world championship is not easy. I have to train harder than the champion.”

The 25-year-old Melindo (29-1, 12 KOs) suffered his first career loss.

When he was asked if he agreed with the wide margin of the judges’ cards, he replied, “I don’t care about the scores, but I will be back.”

Melindo also suffered a cut near the outer corner of his lower eyelid. He said because of the cut, he tried to change his game plan and become more aggressive.

Estrada (25-2, 18KOs) was not present during the press conference.

Top Rank CEO Bob Arum also made an announcement that Manny Pacquiao and Chinese star Zou Shiming will train together in Gen. Santos City. /correspondent rene bonsubre, jr.