ALA Gym’s prized boxer Milan “El Metodico” Melindo is now in tip-top shape for his upcoming bout against Mexican Francisco Rosas in the Pinoy Pride 8: Philippines Vs. Mexico slated Sept. 10 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
During last Saturday’s public sparring sessions at the Gaisano Grand Fiesta Mall in Tabunok, Melindo headed ALA boxers who are expected to fight in the undercard of the event.
Milendo showcased dominance against his sparring mate and stablemate Jerson Mancio in a two-round sparring workout.
Milendo’s last victory was against Rosendo Vega, a first-round knockdown in the main event of the Pinoy Pride 4 last March also at the Waterfront.
“Nindot kaayo among training kay mas ni focus mi karon sa iyang boxing skills ug speed,” said trainer Edito Villamor.
“Actually, two rounds na lang nahabilin namo para ma complete namo among tibuok sparring rounds nga ni abot ug more than a hundred rounds. Ready jud mi for 12 rounds.”
Villamor stated that he liked Rosas’ style inside the ring, describing the Mexican as a brawler. He said this is an advantage for Milendo, who is as a tactician boxer.
“Layo ra ang three rounds aning awaya,” said Milendo. “Mas sayon ni siya kontrahon kompara atong Vega kay sige lang ni siya ug attack. Pero andam jud ko ug long fights bisan pa ug maabot na ug 12 rounds,” added Milendo, who demolished Colombian IBF Lightflyweight champion Carlos Tamara in a 12-round lopsided bout last 2010.
Milendo also defeated top ranked boxers like Muhammad Rachmann, Jose Guadalupe Martinez, Carlos Melo and Antonio Villareal.
On the other hand, 20-year-old knockout sensation WBO Asia Pacific light welterweight champion “El Nino” Jason Pagara of Cagayan De Oro City vowed to do his best to defend and knock down Mexican foe Rosbel Montoya in his scheduled 12-round bout.
“Andam jud ko, murag ma knock down jud ni nako siya pero dili lang jud ko mokumpyansa kay kadtong last nako nga na kontra nga Mexican, kusog jud to” said Pagara. /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL