MANILA, Philippines – For unbeaten WBO No. 5 and WBC No. 7 flyweight contender Milan Melindo, losing isn?t an option as his future as a fighter will be at stake in taking on Mexico?s Francisco Rosas in the main event of the Pinoy Pride 8 ? Philippines versus Mexico bill at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino ballroom in Cebu tonight.
Melindo, 23, is in line for a shot at a world crown and ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer said his performance against Rosas will determine if he?s ready for the crack. ?This fight could tell how ready Melindo is for a world title fight,? said Aldeguer. ?We have bigger plans for Melindo and that could be realized if he beats Rosas.?
Aldeguer, however, isn?t getting ahead of himself. Rosas, fresh from a fifth round knockout win over Antonio Garibay, has no plans of making it easy for Melindo. In fact, the Mexican is determined to barge into the world title picture at Melindo?s expense. Even as Melindo is undefeated, Rosas said he?s not fazed.
?Records don?t scare me,? said the 31-year-old Rosas. ?Melindo?s unbeaten streak will end tonight. I?m ready for him. I?ve trained hard and I?m going to prove who the better boxer is. It won?t matter if I fight in Melindo?s hometown. It will just motivate me more fighting in front of his countrymen. I?ve been into several fights in my career. Fighting away from home has never slowed me down.?
