Milan Melindo vs. Fahlan Sakkreerin, IBF Interim on November 26

By James Goyder

Milan Melindo and Fahlan Sakkreerin Jnr will both be looking to win world titles for the first time when they fight for the interim IBF 108 lbs belt in Cebu on November 26th.

Their fight will headline Pinoy Pride 39 at the Cebu Coliseum. Melindo (34-2) has challenged for world titles on two previous occasions but has emerged empty handed both times, dropping a unanimous decision to Juan Estrada in a 112 lbs fight and losing by TD to Javier Mendoza at 108 lbs.

Whereas Melindo dropped down a division after spending the majority of his career at flyweight Sakkreerin Jnr (31-4-1) was forced to move up as he could no longer make 105 lbs. He wanted to win the IBF 108 lbs belt which had previously been the property of his father but was denied this dream by Katsunari Takayama who beat him by TD.

The event will be promoted by ALA Boxing who also manage Melindo. That might be of concern to Sakkreerin Jnr and his team because the Filipino has been handed several controversial split decision and majority decision wins on these cards in the past.

The regular IBF 112 lbs title is currently the property of Akira Yaegashi who made his most recent defence in May.

This article originally appeared on The Fight Nation.