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MANILA, Philippines – Filipino boxer Milan Melindo is still reeling after a technical decision loss to IBF junior flyweight champion Javier Mendoza this past Saturday in Mexico.
The handlers of the 27-year-old contender say that it was a punch – not a headbutt – that caused the laceration that brought the fight to a premature halt, and are seeking a rematch in the Philippines.
Jim Claude Manangquil, who promotes WBA interim titleholder Randy Petalcorin, is proposing a different title fight in the Philippines for Melindo.
He wants to put Petalcorin’s belt up in an all-Filipino title match against Melindo.
Fights matching top compatriots against one another are big business in Mexico and England, but the practice is considered taboo in the Philippines. Manangquil is challenging the status quo, saying that Filipino vs Filipino matches will elevate the sport domestically.
“Randy and I both would love to give a chance to other Filipinos. Maybe Milan Melindo, it’s a good fight for him. He just came from a controversial loss in Mexico. It’s a good fight for Randy and Milan,” said Manangquil, who co-promotes the Davao City native Petalcorin alongside Australia’s Peter Maniatis.
“You never see a Filipino versus Filipino world class fight. They say it’s bad for Philippine boxing but in my mind it’s not bad. It’s good for Philippine boxing because we will know who is the best in the Philippines.”
Petalcorin (23-1-1, 18 knockouts) emerged onto the world scene in August 2014, stopping Walter Tello in China to win the interim title, and followed that up with a one-round destruction of overmatched Chinese fighter Ma Yi Ming in April.
With no clear timetable for when a fight with WBA champion Ryoichi Taguchi of Japan can be arranged, Manangquil is also left without many options to show Petalcorin’s potential.
“We can say [Petalcorin is] one of the top Filipino fighters now but the problem is that he’s not tested. He’s proven that he can beat B-class fighters but he needs to prove that he can beat the A-class fighters.
“He’s gotten 20 rounds in two years, that’s not good. Now we need to have a big name fight that can give us some trouble and some rounds who can test Randy.”
Melindo (32-2, 12 KOs) of Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines is rated no. 5 by THE RING magazine at 108 pounds – one spot above Petalcorin. Melindo is handled by Cebu-based ALA Boxing and has become a popular fighter domestically due to his exposure on the highly-rated ABS-CBN “Pinoy Pride” boxing series.
“If Javier Mendoza doesn’t want [a rematch], why not fight another Filipino like Randy?,” said Manangquil.
“If both Filipino guys fight in the Philippines, there can be no hometown advantage. You’re both in your home.” – Rappler.com
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