By Rey Danseco
Philippine super featherweight champion Aaron Melgarejo has safely arrived in the home turf of his Japanese opponent in Okinawa, Japan.
The 25-year-old native of Biñan, Laguna was in high spirit swhen he took the China Airlines before 11 am yesterday, finally reaching his destination with a stopover in Chinese Taipei.
“We are now here in Okinawa,” said Melgarejo, who was twice hired as Manny Pacquiao’s sparring partner. “I’m ready to rumble and confident that I will win.”
Melgarejo (13-6-1, 4 KOs) takes on Japanese southpaw Masato Maedo (14-2-2, 6 KOs ) in the main event of the card on Sunday.
Melgarejo risks his No. 1 ranking in the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation in the scheduled 10-round contest as the 130-pound limit.
“The Japanese fighter is targeting Aaron’s high OPBF ranking,” said Melgarejo’s trainer and uncle, former RP super bantamweight champion Dino Olivetti.
The 5-foot-8 Filipino has a reach and height advantage against his 5-foot-5 Japanese opponent, who beat Thai national super bantamweight champ Kumarnthong Por Pluemkamol (17-12-1, 13 KOs) in his latest fight 12 months ago, also in Okinawa.
