FILIPINO warriors Rey ?Boom-Boom? Bautista and Milan Melindo are geared for their Dubai debuts in the ?Philippines vs. The Rest of The World? blockbuster boxing event on April 23.
Both ALA stars? trainings are going according to plan and both are working extra hard at the ALA Gym.
Bautista, 23, is headlining the event with a 10-round non-title match against Thai Saichon Sotornpitak, while the undefeated Melindo is defending his World Boxing Council Youth Intercontinental flyweight title against Colombian Devis Perez.
?Bautista is doing well. He doesn?t feel any pain on his wrist.
He?s very determined and focused for his fight. He?s excited to be back again,? said ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer.
Bautista was sidelined for almost two years because of an injury on his left wrist that required surgery. He staged a successful comeback last year and knocked out sturdy Indonesian Maragin Marbun.
Bautista has logged about 80 rounds of sparring sessions with stable mates Michael Domingo and AJ Banal, and 135-pounder Fernando Otic.
Meanwhile, Melindo, who is known for his slick boxing style, is working on his knockout power.
?Milan?s been working a lot with his upper body strength. He?s preparing very hard,? said Aldeguer.
Aldeguer said that Melindo can?t afford to lose any of his fights because a defeat could ruin his shot at a world title this year.
?Every fight counts,? said Aldeguer.
Up-and-coming fighter Larry ?Bon Jovi? Canillas will see action against African Fred Sayuni, while 17-year-old phenom Jason Pagara was pulled out of the promotion because he is ineligible to fight in Dubai. Rules there state fighters need to be 21 to fight.
Pagara will instead be fighting in the undercard of the heated battle between Domingo and Luis Melendez on May 1 at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu City.
