Mendoza vs. Melindo: BoxingScene.com Staff Predictions

By Jake Donovan

Flying a bit under the radar amidst a busy boxing weekend is a potential sleeper hit among the bunch. Javier Mendoza attempts the first defense of his junior flyweight belt, facing Philippines Milan Melindo in a coin-flip fight Saturday evening in Ensenada, Mexico.

The scheduled 12-round bout headlines on beIN Sport Español in the United States and TV Azteca in Mexico. 

Mendoza (23-2-1, 19KOs) was hardly on anyone's radar until upending former strawweight titlist Ramon Garcia last September. The win netted the resurgent junior flyweight his first major title fight, accomplishing the feat in decisive fashion.

Just one fight has since followed, a stoppage win over Mauricio Fuentes in a stay-busy non-title fight in January. All told, the 24-year old southpaw comes in riding a 10-fight win streak, with the aforementioned win over Garcia his only bout among the stretch to not end in knockout. 

Melindo (32-1, 12KOs) comes in with more polish, though also with less to show for his talents. The visiting Filipino was once a notable flyweight contender, but had the misfortune of running into the excellent Juan Francisco Estrada in his lone title challenge, dropping a lopsided decision nearly two years ago for his lone career loss.

A three-fight win streak has since followed for Melindo, who drops down in weight for this bout, his first outside of Asia. Landing the title shot for the 27-year old was a 12-round points win over Saul "Baby" Juarez at home in Cebu, Philippines last November.

Read on to see how the staff at BoxingScene.com believes tonight's junior flyweight action plays out. 

JAVIER MENDOZA vs. MILAN MELINDO

Given Mendoza's emergence out of nowhere, you kind of get the sense that he's on borrowed time and is due for a loss. I get that Melindo comes in as the bigger and more seasoned fighter. I'd just feel better of his chances if he boasted more notable wins than what presently graces his resume. At some point, Mendoza's run comes to end. It won't be tonight, as his power and aggression will serve as enough to turn back a stiff challenge at home.

I am really excited for this bout and think Mendoza—at home—is too much for Melindo. Very good style clash.

Melindo is more talented but Mendoza is rugged and seems to be on an upswing. His aggression and harder shots will please the judges enough to get the nod

Melindo will travel to Mexico in an attempt to dethrone Javier Mendoza. This is another fight that could go either way. Mendoza won’t have the power to keep Melindo off him and I see Melindo winning by stoppage.

Melindo, the former flyweight world champion is an aggressive and strong fighter. He lost against a great champion such Estrada and that proves it. Mendoza, won the right in elimination bout against Saul Juarez, but he will face a powerful rival that exceeds him in experience and has fought with stronger opponents at 115 pounds. If nothing strange happens, I favor Melindo in a close UD.

Firstly, I leaned towards Melindo but having seen his latest clips and looking at his record, I now lean towards the Mexican. It's agreed that Mendoza hasn't fought anyone of note save for Hirales. Still I think he will find a way from a couple of knockdowns to snatch a close call at home.

Mendoza–4

Melindo–2