STARDOM is ripe for the taking for IBF world light flyweight division lynchpin Milan “El Metodico” Melindo (36-2; 13KOs), according to boxing analyst and boxing historian Atty. Ed Tolentino.
“The country is looking for a new boxing hero and I think Milan, even if he’s a little guy, he can fill this void,” said Tolentino.
This is the reason why, Tolentino said, it is important for Melindo to score the big victory in “Pinoy Pride 42: Clash For Glory” this Saturday at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu City, which will be airing on ABS-CBN this Sunday at 3:30 p.m. and on primetime on S+A at 6:30 p.m.
“El Metodico” will be defending his title for the first time after decking Akira Yaegashi against his toughest opponent to date in South African Hekkie “The Hexecutioner” Budler (31-2; 10KOs), the current ruler in the IBF light flyweight division.
Tolentino said Melindo must stay true to his moniker of “El Metodico” if he wants to win against his formidable opponent. “Budler is a pocket rocket, he is the one that’s going to instigate the hostilities. It is for Milan to stay in cruise control and not have this fight dictated by emotions. Keep it tactical, avoid the brutality that Budler will bring into this fight, which Milan has already proven that he can do.”
Meanwhile, the “Pinoy Pride 42” fight card itself packs quite a punch with Jason “El Nino” Pagara (40-2; 25KOs) also facing James Onyango (23-11-1; 19KOs) of Kenya in his continued quest to earn a title fight, while looking for his 14-straight win dating back to 2011.
Dyan Castillejo, who will be joining Tolentino in Saturday’s panel, said Pagara is poised to go for a knockout victory as he badly needs to make a mark in the welterweight division he currently plies in.
“He might score a knockout this time as he has so much to prove and I heard that he really has been training hard. He wants to get in a world title fight already but his weight division is very competitive so he needs to step up his game,” said Castillejo, who has been covering the sport of boxing for more than 15 years.
Another thing to look forward in this edition of ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN’s boxing series are the showdowns between fellow Filipinos, which has never been done before.
Great Filipino prospects John Reil Casimero (24-3; 15KOs) and Jonas Sultan (13-3; 9KOs) will figure in a title eliminator bout for the right to challenge the IBF World Jr. Bantamweight champion Jerwin Ancajas, another Pinoy. Likewise, rising stars Kevin Jake Cataraja and Wiljan Ugbaniel must put aside ties as they square off in the undercard. Aside from them, “King” Arthur Villanueva (30-2; 16KOs) will also look to get back on the winning track against Richie Mepranum (31-6-1) after dropping his last bout.
Viewers can catch “Pinoy Pride 42” on Saturday live, without any commercial, and in high definition via SKY Sports PPV for only P99 for SKYCable, SKYdirect, One SKY, and SKYbroadband subscribers. They can call 418-0000 or their local SKY office, or visit www.mysky.com.ph/boxingppv for more information.
There will also be a free TV airing on ABS-CBN this Sunday (September 17) at 3:30 pm and at S+A at 6:30 pm on primetime. For stories and more information about the fights and the athletes, visit ABS-CBN Sports’ online hub sports.abs-cbn.com, and follow their official social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter (@ABSCBNSports).