MELINDO STARTS TRAINING FOR WORLD TITLE CHALLENGE

CEBU CITY - Milan ?El Metodico? Melindo (28-0, 12 KO?s) of the ALA Gym will challenge WBO flyweight champion Juan Francisco ?El Gallo? Estrada of Mexico in Macau on July 27.

The unbeaten Melindo already met Estrada (23W-2L, 18 KO?s), who took Brian Viloria?s title, after the post fight press conference in Macau last April. Melindo fought in the undercard and had an impressive 4th round knockout win against Tommy Seran of Indonesia.

Local boxing pundits are in agreement that the outcome of this fight is crucial for Philippine boxing. Melindo?s title shot comes at a time when Filipino fight fans are reeling from the losses of the Big 3 ? Manny Pacquiao, Nonito Donaire and Viloria.

Melindo is aware of the stakes and is in the second week of the conditioning phase of his preparations.

Melindo came close to losing last September when he struggled against Jean Piero Perez of Venezuela and had to settle for a majority decision win. ALA Gym patriarch Antonio Aldeguer pointed out that Melindo fought the wrong type of fight. After a string of stoppage wins, Melindo started to believe he was a puncher and abandoned his methodical ways and almost paid for it.

He will have to come up with a smarter game plan against the resilient Estrada.

Photo: Milan Melindo wraps his hands in preparation for a light workout at the ALA Gym in Banilad, Cebu Thursday afternoon. Photo by Dong Secuya.