MILAN Melindo is deep in his preparation for his World Boxing Organization Inter-Continental flyweight crown next month at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu City.
However, the 23-year-old unbeaten prospect will take a brief break from his rigid training to return to his hometown, Cagayan de Oro City, and visit the victims recently ravaged by Typhoon Sendong.
Melindo knows that his upcoming title defense against former world title challenger Juan Esquer in ?Pinoy Pride 11? on Jan. 28 is one of the most important fights of his career. He wants to be at his best because a win could solidify his status in the flyweight division and earn him a possible title shot next year. But he is willing to take away part of his time in training, to sympathize with the victims of the tragedy, wherein hundreds lost their lives.
?We asked him to have a break, but knowing Milan he is so focused. He may be forced to visit Cagayan because of the tragedy,? ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu. ?Maybe (he will leave) not now, but a few days from now. What he is thankful for is that his family is safe.?
Melindo, 25-0 with nine knockouts, could earn a title shot at any moment next year because he is highly rated in the four major boxing sanctioning bodies. He is rated No. 3 in the WBO, No. 6 in the World Boxing Council, No. 10 in the World Boxing Association, and No.12 in the International Boxing Federation.
?Milan?s training is doing very well. He just has to follow the game plan and do what he does best, which is to analyze his opponent before executing a plan. Esquer is an experienced fighter who has fought some of the best, so Milan has to be methodical, as he is known to be, for this fight,? said Aldeguer.
Esquer, 27-9-2 with 21 knockouts, would be a tough test for Melindo. He has fought some of the best in his weight divisions and has contended for a world title once but lost to Ivan Calderon by unanimous decision in 2007.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on December 21, 2011.
