Three days after Milan Melindo retained his IBF world light flyweight title by fighting through blood in the closing rounds against South African Hekkie Buddler, Australian Promoter Peter Maniatis bared his intention for an all-Filipino clash between Melindo and Randy Petalcorin.
"ALA promotions are looking for an opponent for Milan Melindo for a title defence in February. Well, I spoke to Randy's co- manager Jim Mananquil of the Sanman Gym today and we both agreed it?s a great fight and opportunity for Petalcorin to fight Melindo for the IBF world title,? Promoter Peter Maniatis told philboxing in an e-mail message.
?l have the utmost respect for ALA but boxing as a sport and a business. I am sure the Melindo vs Petalcorin fight will rate well and now Jonas Sultan is fighting Jerwin Ancajas for the IBF world super flyweight title, it will be great for Filipino boxing if it was a double header Filipino vs Filipino in a two world title fights." stated Maniatis.
"First things first though, Randy needs to be super impressive fighting on November 10 in Australia and we cannot look past Oscar Raknafa. He is a dangerous opponent. Randy is training hard at Sanman Gym with Jim Manangquil and will be arriving in Australia in middle October,? Maniatis added.
Melindo (37-2, 13KO's) retained his title by split decision last Saturday at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel. This was the first defense of the title he won last May by stopping Japanese Akira Yaegashi in one round in Tokyo.
Petalcorin (26-2-1,19KO's), a former WBA interim world light flyweight titlist, will see action on November 10 on "Ultratune Fight Night?, promoted by Peter Maniatis Events at the Malvern Town Hall against Indonesian Raknafa, a former Indonesian champion and a former WBO Asia-Pacific minimumweight titleholder.
Petalcorin is ranked as a contender by the IBF # 3, WBC # 6 and WBO # 14.
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