A bout for the interim International Boxing Federation World Light Flyweight crown pitting Milan Melindo (34-2, 12KO) and Thai boxer Fahlan Sakkeerin Jr. (31-4-1, 16KO) has been booked for Pinoy Pride 39 this November.
According to a report by Philboxing.com’s Dong Secuya, the fight was made by the said governing body after reigning world champion Akira Yaegashi could not defend his belt against mandatory challenger Melindo due to an injury.
Instead, the 28-year-old Cebuano, who is riding a two-fight winning streak after absorbing a loss to Javier Mendoza last May, 2016, will have an opportunity of a lifetime as he will gun for the interim belt. A win will get him another crack at the world title after two failed attempts in 2013 and 2015.
Standing in the way of Melindo is Sakkeerin Jr. (born Teerapong Uthaida) who, like him, will be aiming for his first world title. The 23-year-old former IBF World Minimumweight contender is currently riding a four-fight win streak and holds IBF Pan-Pacific Light Flyweight belt.
Pinoy Pride 39 marks the return of ALA Promotion to the 5000-seater Cebu Coliseum, following its recently concluded 38th installment held in Carson, California. Pinoy Pride 38 saw Donnie Nietes make a successful debut at the flyweight division.
