Newly crowned IBF junior flyweight world champion Milan “El Metodico” Melindo is set to defend his title in Cebu City.
After two previous attempts at the coveted world title, a win over then IBF #3 Jr. Flyweight Fahlan Sakkreerin Jr. of Thailand for the IBF interim title last November provided Milendo a ticket to Japan and another shot at a world championship, this time against regular IBF champion Akira Yaegashi.
Melindo dominated the entire opening round, as he floored then defending champion and two-division world champion Akira Yaegashi thrice down the canvas en route to a first round TKO win 2 minutes and 45 seconds into their IBF Jr. fly world championship clash, becoming Philippines’ fourth current world champion next to Manny Pacquiao, Donnie Nietes, and Jerwin Ancajas.
Melindo is ALA Gym’s new world champion; alongside longest-reigning Filipino, three-division, and current IBF Flyweight world champion, Donnie “Ahas” Nietes.
For his first title defense, Melindo will headline ALA Promotions’ 42nd Pinoy Pride edition on September 16 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
ORANGE, Calif. - The boxing community first witnessed the power punching ability of Manuel "La Tormenta" Mendez (15-1-2, 11 KOs) last November on a SHOWTIME broadcast. He eviscerated the previously unbeaten Vitor Jones Freitas with a crushing left hook to the body in the first round.
On Friday night, Mendez plans to apply his signature power to fellow lightweight Mohamed Rodriguez (9-4, 3 KOs). The pair headline Thompson Boxing's "Path to Glory" 8-round main event from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.
Watch Mendez vs. Rodriguez and the rest of the 6-fight card on TB Presents: Path To Glory: live streaming on ThompsonBoxing.com and Facebook Live beginning at 7:45 p.m. PST / 10:45 p.m. EST.
Tickets for "Path to Glory" are priced at $40, $60, & $100 and are available for purchase online at ThompsonBoxing.com, or by calling 714-935-0900.
Mendez, who is from Ontario, Ore., but relocated to Indio, Calif. several years ago to train with Joel Diaz, has become well known among the boxing savvy fans of Southern California's Inland Empire, where Friday's fight takes place.
Mendez has familiarized himself with Rodriquez's style. He compares him to a former opponent, Cesar Villarraga, whom he knocked out in the third round. Mendez is known for wearing down opponents with his bruising style, but lately he's been working on the psychological aspect of the sweet science.