MILAN Melindo isn?t known for his power but rather his speed and finesse inside the ring. However, expect a more powerful Melindo when he takes on former world champion Carlos Tamara on Nov. 27 at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu City in the second edition of ?Pinoy Power?.
The 22-year-old Melindo is known to be one of the most intelligent and technically sound boxers in Philippines but he isn?t considered a hard hitter. He is unbeaten in 22 fights but only has seven knockouts under his belt.
But that is bound to change, as he is working with upper body strength, with conditioning coach Pio Solon, in his new weight division at 112 pounds.
?He is working on his upper body strength. His arms and shoulders are different and the muscles are more developed,? ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu.
Aldeguer said that since moving up in weight this year, the highly-rated Melindo has been showing signs of improvement in his power when he sent a talented Anthony Villareal to the canvas in the first round and won by a convincing unanimous decision last Jan. 14. The bout was fought at a catch weight of 110 pounds.
Three months after, Melindo stopped Thai Komrit Twins Gym in the fourth round of their flyweight match in Dubai. Melindo followed it up by knocking out Korean Jin Maen Jeon in the second round last Aug. 28 in Cebu City.
Aside from the conditioning exercise, Aldeguer believes Melindo?s move up in weight has contributed to his power, wherein he doesn?t have to force himself to make weight.
?It is impossible for him to fight at 105. At 112, he is more comfortable and doesn?t have to get forced to reduce.?
?The way I see it, the way he?s punching now, yes,? said Aldeguer. ?And Milan at 112 can put opponents down.?
Cebuano Rocky Fuentes will be defending his Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation flyweight crown in the supporting main event of ?Pinoy Power 2?.
Former International Boxing Federation mini-flyweight titlist Florante Condes is also slated in the undercard.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on November 03, 2010.
