UNDEFEATED Filipino fighter Milan Milendo will be facing another opponent on Oct. 3 at the Cuneta Astrodome because Ivan Meneses won’t be able to make it to the Philippines because of problems with his management.
“Our concern is Ivan Meneses because there were complications with his manager. He might not be able to make it here,” ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer disclosed to Sun.Star Cebu the development that was relayed to him by the boxing event’s promoter, Solar Sports.
Replacing world-rated boxer Meneses is up-and-coming Mexican fighter Guadalupe Martinez.
The hard-hitting Marti-nez holds a boxing record of seven wins, a defeat and a draw with seven knockouts.
One of the victims of his powerful punch is veteran journeyman Francisco Sotto, who has fought some of the elite fighters in the lower weight classes like world champions Giovani Segura, Brian Viloria and Omar Salado.
Martinez’s only career loss was a first round knockout by undefeated prospect Victor Proa.
Despite not fighting elite fighters in his weight class, ALA Promotions isn’t taking their chances against Martinez because a win by the Mexican could foil Milendo’s ratings and possibly his shot at a world title.
“Every fight is important. A replacement is very dangerous.
Let’s just see how this fight goes,” said Aldeguer.
ALA Promotions is still hoping that the fight with Meneses will push through because a win over the Mexican could boost Melindo’s ratings further.
Meneses is ranked eighth in the World Boxing Council (WBC), 11th in the World Boxing Organization and 12th in the World Boxing Association.
Melindo is ranked No.1 the WBO, fifth in WBC and third in both the WBA and the International Boxing Federation.
ALA Promotions is planning to improve Melindo’s ratings in the other boxing sanctioning bodies because he can’t challenge the WBO mini-flyweight crown as it is currently held by fellow ALA boy Donnie Nietes.
