CEBU, Philippines – Milan ?El Metodico? Melindo (27-0, 11KOs) aims for no less than a decisive victory when he puts his WBO International flyweight belt on the line against Jean Piero Perez (19-4, 14KOs) of Venezuela in the main event of the hotly-anticipated ?Pinoy Pride XVI:Venezuelan Invasion? on September 22 at the Pacific grand ballroom of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
During a visit at The Freeman office yesterday, Melindo said he knows the significance of this fight and that he will do whatever it takes to destroy the Venezuelan visitor and bolster his chances of earning a world title shot.
“This is a very important fight for me because this will be my stepping stone for a world title shot,” said Melindo, who has logged in over a hundred rounds of no-holds-barred sparring as part of his rigid training regimen.
The pride of Cagayan de Oro City expressed confidence of beating Perez more so after he had seen the fighting stance of his foe.
“Perez is a good boxer and like me, he’s a counter-puncher. What I like most about him is that he loves to attack and fight toe-to-toe with his opponents and that fits my style,” said Melindo. “I think there’s a big possibility that I’m going to knock him out, but I can’t say in what round. That remains to be seen.”
Though highly optimistic, the 24-year-old Melindo said he would not, in any way, underestimate Perez, a former interim WBA champion who sent 12 of his 14 victims into the dreamland within four rounds.
“Perez is an experienced fighter and he can take punches so there’s no way I will take him lightly. But there’s no pressure on my part. I’ve been so focused on my training and I can safely say that I am physically and mentally ready for this bout,” said Melindo.
In his previous ring appearance, Melindo wasn’t tested to the limit as he dismantled former world titlist Jesus Geles of Colombia in only one round last June 2 at the Resort World Hotel and Casino in Pasay City. “I really did not expect the fight (against Geles) to end that early. Frankly speaking, I wasn’t completely happy with the outcome knowing that most fans are wanting for more action inside the ring. I wasn’t also able to show much of what I can offer because of the early stoppage,” said Melindo.
“Against Perez, a knockout will just come if opportunity presents itself. Whether or not I can deliver a knockout, I assure everyone that I will give my best to come up with a highly entertaining performance that the fans would love and enjoy. That’s what matters most to me,” he added.
On the undercard of the Melindo-Perez showdown, Rocky ?Road Warrior? Fuentes (33-6, 22KOs) will defend for the fifth time his OPBF flyweight throne against Japan-based Korean slugger Myung-Ho Lee (15-1,5KOs).
“I’m very excited to see action once again before my hometown fans and I won’t let them down. I will give everything I can to keep my belt,” said Fuentes.
