By Ronnie Nathanielsz

Two potential future Filipino world champions face two former world champions as ALA Promotions teams up with ABS-CBN, the country’s largest TV network to bring another blockbuster boxing event to the plush Waterfront Resort Hotel and Casino in Cebu on March 14 titled "Judgement Day" which may well be for the past and the present.

In two exciting match-ups the fight card will feature two former IBF world champions, Roberto “Mako” Leyva of Mexico and Muhammad Rachman of Indonesia who will wage war with two champions in the making in Z “The Dream” Gorres and Milan “El Maestro” Melindo, both of the famed ALA gym.

The flashy and talented Gorres who has fought the best in his division having lost a hugely controversial decision to WBO champion Fernando Montiel and an equally controversial draw in an ugly brawl with current WBC/WBA/IBF super flyweight champion Vic Darchinyan in an IBF super flyweight eliminator and scored an 8th round TKO over former light flyweight champion  Eric Ortiz, headlines the card.

The 26 year old Gorres will face another formidable foe in Roberto “Mako” Leyva whose punching power is evident in his 20 knockouts in 25 wins although he has 8 losses and 1 draw. 

Leyva whose nickname  “Mako” is derived from a specie of shark is not only a former IBF champion but at one time was also WBC Youth world champion after beating Roberto Gomez for the title.

However, the fight that is being eagerly awaited is the encounter between the very promising Milan “El Maestro” Melindo, one of the finest boxers in the ALA Gym and former IBF world titlist Muhammad Rachman who lost his title in an action-packed battle with Filipino southpaw Florante Condes on July7, 2007.

The 20 year old Melindo has a 17-0 record with 5 KO’s and was impressive in halting Tanzanian Juma Fundi in the 3rd round to retain his WBO Asia Pacific 105 lbs. title last October 30, 2008 in Cagayan de Oro City.

It was his explosive win over Panama ’s highly-regarded Carlos Melo that won many fans for the  unbeaten Melindo. It also catapulted Melindo to WBO#1, WBA#4 and WBC#6 and is at the moment, the highest world rated contender among Filipino fighters

Rachman whose record 65-6-5 with 31 KO’s exudes confidence and believes his experience will carry him to victory over the hometown challenger.

ALA Promotion President, Michael Aldeguer confides that, “This coming event is a dream match-up for the discriminating Cebuano boxing fans. These fights do not guarantee wins for our boys- it will be tough and only the best will prevail”.

Gorres and Melindo are in the best shape and ready to do battle as they continue their quest for  world titles.