Philippines, 17 Apr 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


MEXICO'S JUAN ESTRADA BREAKS PINOY HEARTS AS FANCIED MILAN MELINDO FALTERS AND LOSES


PhilBoxing.com




(www.mannypinol.com) -- There is no denying that Cagayan de Oro City's Milan "Metodico" Melindo is a skillful boxer.

Undefeated in all of his professional boxing fights, this product of another grassroots boxing program started by then Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar Moreno, Melindo was expected to teach WBA and WBO Flyweight champion Juan Francisco Estrada a neat boxing lesson and become a world champion that he dreamed to be.

Estrada, who is younger and taller than Melindo and who won the title by defeating Fil-Am Brian Viloria, is not really a technical fighter.

But what he lacked in boxing skills and the technical aspect, Estrada and his handlers more than covered it up with an outstanding tactical strategy.

Melindo and his handlers, on the other hand, miscalculated the fight and the strategists overrated the Filipino challenger's punching power.

While Melindo does not possess power behind his punches, he fought the Mexican champion like he was Mike Tyson, standing in front of Estrada and hoping to land one big punch that would end the fight.

Melindo connected with clean punches early on in the fight but while some may have indeed hurt Estrada, those hits were not enough to declare "lights out.'

Estrada and his handlers, on the other hand, knew that Melindo is no longer a young fighter and that chances are he would fade in the late rounds, a chink in the armor of most ALA boxers.

The Mexican champion just allowed the shorter and smaller Melindo to chase him all over the ring for nine rounds and when the tell-tale signs of fatigue showed, Estrada came back in the 10th round, scored a knockdown in tehe 11th and punished the Filipino challenger badly in the 12th.

What I saw in the fight was a classic example of why Filipino boxers always end up losing to Mexican fighters in bouts which stretch the distance.

Filipino fighters may have the natural talent and skills but the Mexicans are outstanding tacticians who know what their fighters' technical deficiencies are but cover these up with an excellent fight strategy.

This scene will be replayed over and over again unless those involved in Philippine boxing realize that our trainers, handlers and cornermen have to study and learn.

Otherwise, we will always end up nursing broken hearts and chasing elusive championship dreams.

Photo: Mexico's Juan Francisco Estrada celebrates after defeating Filipino challenger Milan Melindo at the Cotai Arena in Macau, China. Photo by Dong Secuya.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Manny Piñol.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Hermie Rivera: A Fil-Am Original
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Fri, 17 Apr 2026
  • LIVERPOOL FIGHT NIGHT: OFFICIAL WEIGHTS AS BEN WHITTAKER TAKES ON BRAIAN SUAREZ – LIVE ON DAZN
    , Fri, 17 Apr 2026
  • Lerasan to fight for WBO Asian Pacific bantam title
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 17 Apr 2026
  • Fuentes is now ready to fight in Juego Todo
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 17 Apr 2026
  • LIVERPOOL FIGHT WEEK: PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES IN FULL AS WHITTAKER GETS READY FOR TOUGH SUAREZ TEST – LIVE ON DAZN
    , Fri, 17 Apr 2026
  • Ancajas to fight as feather against Garcia on April 18
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 17 Apr 2026
  • MVP presents Delgado-Artiga by WBA superflyweight championship on June 13 in Orlando
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Fri, 17 Apr 2026
  • Mexican legend Miguel Canto passes away
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Fri, 17 Apr 2026
  • King Lovick Monteadora to see action in 2026 Hainan Taekwondo Open
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 17 Apr 2026
  • Quiñonero suffers injury, cancels debut in Juego Todo
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 17 Apr 2026
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: A Great Night of Boxing in Japan
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Fri, 17 Apr 2026
  • FOSTER DEFENDS WORLD SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST FORD IN HOUSTON ON MAY 30
    , Fri, 17 Apr 2026
  • Tickets ON SALE NOW for Keyshawn Davis-Nahir Albright II at Norfolk’s Scope Arena
    , Fri, 17 Apr 2026
  • Nothing But Sportz and Ronald Johnson’s Dream Team Foundation to Donate 500 Tickets to Miami Youth for Historic May 2 Fight Night
    , Fri, 17 Apr 2026
  • CHARLIE SHEEHY PENS PROMOTIONAL PACT WITH MATCHROOM
    , Fri, 17 Apr 2026
  • BEN WHITTAKER OPENS UP ON HIS AMERICAN DREAM, CALL-OUTS AND HEADLINING IN 'SPECIAL CITY' LIVERPOOL THIS SATURDAY – LIVE ON DAZN
    , Thu, 16 Apr 2026
  • IBA partners with Global Boxing Series for landmark fight night in Navi Mumbai
    , Thu, 16 Apr 2026
  • IM Arca finishes 2nd in Thailand Blitz
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 16 Apr 2026
  • Cebuano "Money Punch" Elmo Traya Heading to Georgia for WBF World Title Shot!
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 16 Apr 2026
  • Unfinished Business: Keyshawn Davis-Nahir Albright Super Lightweight Rematch Set for May 16 at Norfolk’s Scope Arena LIVE on DAZN
    , Thu, 16 Apr 2026
  • Rhaki Constantino bags Asian HeyBall Championship
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 16 Apr 2026
  • GARNICA VS. CORREA SET FOR WBC CONTINENTAL AMERICAS TITLE CLASH IN LONG BEACH MAY 15
    , Wed, 15 Apr 2026
  • IBA Board of Directors convenes for strategic April 2026 meeting
    , Wed, 15 Apr 2026
  • Cadalso to turn pro in Juego Todo
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 15 Apr 2026
  • 2-Time World Champion Shawn Porter Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday  May 2 in Las Vegas
    , Wed, 15 Apr 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.