By Ronnie Nathanielsz

Talented Milan Melindo, one of the genuine prospects in the famed ALA Gym of boxing patron Tony Aldeguer faces what may well turn out to be “Judgment Day” on March 14 when he battles former world IBF minimum weight champion Muhammad Rachman of Indonesia.

Rachman who lost his title bya close split decision in an exciting battle with hard-hitting Filipino southpaw Florante Condes on July 7, 2007 in Jakarta is a fighter in the true sense of the word. For Melindo the ten round bout at the plush Waterfront Hotel ballroom will be a major step forward in the quest for a title shot.

The fight will be telecast by the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN over Studio 23 with a replay on Channel 2.

Melindo is currently ranked No. 1 by the WBO, No. 4 by the WBA, No. 5 by the WBC and No. 11 by the IBF while Rachman is rated No. 4 by the IBF and No. 12 by the WBC.

The 21 year old Melindo is the complete package.. He puts together terrific combinations, doubles up with his left hook to the body and the head, snaps his jab, throws  a solid right straight and moves well besides showing excellent defensive skills.

If there is any shortcoming its in terms of punching power which is something that Rachman possesses and is bound to try and use to hammer his way through the defense of Melindo.

Melindo’s record of 17-0 with 5 knockouts in itself indicates a seeming lack of power but at the 105 pound limit, speed of hand and overall ring savy will overcome the absence of heavy hands.

Respected TV boxing analyst Moy Lainez who was in Jakarta with Rod Nazario, Gerry Garcia and Aljoe Jaro when southpaw Condes won the title from Rachman told BoxingScene.com, insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports that the clash with  Rachman is bound to be a great fight.

Lainez said Melindo is “a good fighter and this will be a true test. If he beats Rachman it means he is ready for a world title shot.”

The stylish Melindo won the WBO Asia Pacific minimum weight title beating Thailand ’s Nuapayak Sakkririn in October 2007. He went on to win the WBA Intercontinental light flyweight title with an impressive showing against Panama ’s Carlos Melo last July 26.. Melo is the same fighter who lost the WBA minimum weight Interim title by a 9th round technical decision to Japan’s Katsunari Takayama on November 7, 2006.

Rachman may be 37 years old but he is a grizzled veteran with a record of 62-6-5 with  31 knockouts and is coming off a ten round unanimous decision over Edren Dapudong in Jakarta last June 28.

In his last fight Melindo successfully defended his WBO Asia Pacific title with an impressive  third round TKO over Tanzania’s Juma Fundi in his hometown of Cagayan de Oro City last October 30.