By Ronnie Nathanielsz

Former IBF light flyweight world champion Carlos “El Olimpico” of Colombia is determined to prove that his stunning 12th round TKO over Brian Viloria was no fluke. The fight took place earlier this year. Referee Bruce McTavish stopped the fight with just 1 minute 15 seconds remaining as an exhausted Viloria lay on the ropes unable to answer a flurry of punches.

Tamara (21-5, 15 KO’s)  plans to give Cebu boxing fans a demonstration of his skill and power when he battles undefeated, world-rated Milan Melindo (22-0, 7 KO’s) in the main event of a stellar fight card at the Waterfront Hotel & Casino on Saturday. The venue is emerging as the “Mecca” of boxing in Asia.

A presentation of ALA Promotions in cooperation with ABS-CBN, the “PINOY PRIDE 2: Best of the Best” fight card will be telecast by the giant broadcast network over Channel 2 at 10:15 a.m. on Sunday as the partnership continues to project Filipino fighters as among the best in the world especially in the lower weight divisions.

Tamara who lost the title in his first defense against Luis Lazarte of Argentina arrives Wednesday and will quickly demonstrate his skills in a public workout at Block 11 (Where the Christmas Bazaar is) at the sprawling  I.T. Park in Lahug, Cebu City at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

While Tamara is determined to prove his victory over Viloria was well-deserved even though he was behind on points on the scorecards of all three judges at the time of the stoppage, Melindo is even more determined to avenge Viloria’s defeat. Both fighters have moved up to flyweight.

With strength and conditioning coach Pio Solon working diligently to add power to his tremendous boxing skills, Melindo has grown in confidence and is confident of scoring an impressive win in what he concedes is a tough fight that could well be the “Fight of the Year” in the Philippines.

The fight  card itself is loaded with talent. Oriental and Paciic Boxing Federation flyweight champion Rocky Fuentes (27-6-2, 17 KO’s)  defends his title for the first time before his hometown fans after a string of big wins against the top Japanese contenders when he clashes with Thailand’s Inthanon Sitchamuang (9-3, 3 KO’s).

Former multi-titled OPBF champion and world title challenger, hard-hitting welterweight  Randy Suico (29-6-1, 25 KO’s) takes on Arnel Tinampay while former IBF minimum weight champion, southpaw  Florante “The Little Pacquiao” Condes (24-5-1, 20 KO’s) who is hot on the comeback trail clashes with Japan’s former OPBF title challenger Kenichi Horikawa (20-8-1, 4 KO’s).

Also seeing action on the card will be exciting young former amateur standout Dodie Boy Penalosa Jr, son of the former two division world champion Dodie Boy Penalosa who faces another newcomer in Jomar Torreon.

Spicing up the press-public workout at the I.T Park will be the attractive dance group “Pussycats” of the International Bar Complex who will perform for the fans in attendance.The fight card is supported by the Cebu City government headed by Mayor Mike Rama.