With his unbeaten record at stake and a possible shot of earning a world title fight, it is no surprise that Milan ‘El Metodico’ Melindo is punishing himself in the gym. “There’s no let up in the gym. I have sparred close to a hundred rounds and the training gets more intense as the fight draws near,” said Melindo in Filipino, who is gearing up for a much-anticipated encounter with Mexico’s Francisco Rosas in the Pinoy Pride 8: Philippines vs. Mexico slated Sept. 10 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
Melindo has been longing for a world title fight and overcoming Rosas will definitely bring him closer to that dream.
“It is every boxer’s dream fighting for a world title. I know my chance is just there and I have no plans of bungling it,” said the promising Filipino fighter, who sports a W 24 (KO 8) L 0 D O.
ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer admits that so much is at stake in the upcoming fight.
“This fight could tell how ready Melindo is for a world title fight. We have bigger plans for Melindo and that could be realized should he beat Rosas,” said Aldeguer.
In a tremendous show of stamina, Melindo defeated former world champions Carlos Tamara via a one-sided unanimous decision. Tamara was the same boxer who rallied to beat then world champion Brian Villoria, scoring one of the biggest upsets in recent history. In that fight, Tamara trailed in most parts of the fight but came back strong in the later rounds to pull off a TKO win.
Aside from Tamara, included in Melindo’s sterling resume are victories against top names in boxing such as Carlos Melo, Guadalupe Martinez and two time world champion Muhammad Rachmann.
Melindo likewise beat Mexican Rosendo Vega and Jin Man Jeon of Korea via spectacular knockouts, adding a new dimension to his arsenal. “I don’t normally go for knockout but my training has made me stronger. I really feel strong now,” said Melindo. “I am excited about this next fight.”