International Boxing Federation champion Milan Melindo believes his vast experience, earned from fights with the light-flyweight’s finest, will play a pivotal role when he attempts to annex another world title belt tomorrow night in Tokyo.
“Sa lahat ng mga boxers sa ALA stable ako at si (World Boxing Organization flyweight champion) Donnie (Nietes) ang pinakamalalim ang experience,” said Melindo, who meets Ryoichi Taguchi of Japan, the reigning World Boxing Association ruler in the 108-lb class.
Before becoming a world champion, Melindo had tough battles the past few years, most noticeably, his gutsy stand against Juan Francisco Estrada of Mexico.
Estrada is best known for punishing Fil-Am Brian Viloria in Macau to become a world champion.
Despite also losing to Estrada, Melindo feels the time he spent being at close range with him only made him not just a tougher but a better fighter overall.
“Look at Estrada,” said Melindo, stressing that his tormentor “is still very much around and remains boxing’s tested warriors although he has outgrown the weight class where Melindo still inhabits.
The official weighin for the Melindo-Taguchi unification bout will be held today and the Cebu-based Melindo insists he won’t have problems conquering the scales.
“No problem,” said Melindo.
Even his lead trainer, two-time world title challenger Edito Villamor is not at all concerned.
“He’ll make the weight. Milan’s oozing with confidence,” Villamor said.