ALA boys AJ Banal and Milan Melindo will headline the “Bakbakan sa Sinulog” boxing extravaganza on Jan. 14 at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino.
The undefeated Melindo, who has 19 wins with five knockouts, is set to challenge fellow youngster Anthony Villareal for the World Boxing Council (WBC) youth intercontinental flyweight title at a catchweight of 110 pounds.
“Villareal is a formidable opponent for Milan because he is champion,” said ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer in an interview with Sun.Star Cebu.
The 22-year-old Villareal is an up-and-coming fighter and is 9-2 with 4 KOs.
He won the WBC youth intercontinental title by beating erstwhile unbeaten and promising young fighter Manuel Roman last April in California.
On the other hand, Melindo, 21, has been on a winning romp since his debut in 2005.
He won his last fight last October at the Cuneta Astrodome against Mexican youngster Guadalupe Martinez.
He also owns victories over former world champion Muhammad Rachman and former world title challenger Carlos Melo and is ranked highly in all four major boxing sanctioning bodies.
He is ranked No.1 in the World Boxing Organization; No.3 in both the International Boxing Federation and the World Boxing Association; and fifth in the WBC.
Meanwhile, Banal’s opponent is yet to be announced but Aldeguer hinted that they will pick a formidable Hispanic fighter.
“We will try to get a veteran fighter, maybe a former world champion,” said Aldeguer.
The 20-year-old Banal won via unanimous decision over Jose Angel Beranza in his previous stint in Hawaii last Aug.
Aldeguer left last week for Manila to discuss the final details with his partners Smart Sports and ABC 5.
“This will be a good quality event for Sinulog. This will be a big card because it will be headlined by AJ and Milan.”
