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MANILA, Philippines – Milan Melindo will get his second crack at a world title when he faces IBF junior flyweight titleholder Javier Mendoza at Auditorio Municipal Fausto Gutiérrez Moreno in Tijuana, Mexico on April 25.
Melindo’s promoter Michael Aldeguer of ALA Boxing says he and Mendoza’s promoter Zanfer Promotions have “agreed in principle” though a contract has yet to be signed.
Melindo (32-1, 12 knockouts) of Cagayan de Oro, Philippines became the mandatory challenger after stepping down from 112 pounds and defeating Saul Juarez in a title elimination bout last November.
He has now won three straight since losing to WBA/WBO flyweight titleholder Juan Francisco Estrada in July of 2013 by unanimous decision. Melindo, 26, started the Estrada bout strongly before being worn down by the larger Mexican and barely surviving to the final bell.
The 23-year-old Mendoza (23-2-1, 19 KOs) won the title last September that was vacated by Melindo’s countryman Johnriel Casimero when he missed weight. Mendoza hasn’t lost since being stopped in two rounds by Jorge Guerrero in 2011.
Nicknamed “Cobra,” Mendoza is known as an aggressive southpaw who mixes up his attack with wide right hooks and sneaky, straight left crosses up the middle.
In his most recent fight in January, Mendoza just needed two rounds to dispose of Colombian fringe contender Mauricio Fuentes.
“He’s a typical Mexican boxer, he comes to fight,” said Aldeguer. “It’s a good chance for Milan. It will be good for Milan fighting in Mexico and hopefully winning the title there.”
Melindo and several fighters from his stable, including the recently triumphant Jason Pagara, to train in the United States on March 29, the day after stablemate and RING magazine junior flyweight champion Donnie Nietes defends against Luis Ceja at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Philippines. – Rappler.com
Ryan Songalia is the sports editor of Rappler, a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) and a contributor to THE RING Magazine. He can be reached at ryan.songalia@rappler.com. Follow him on Twitter: @RyanSongalia.
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