“El Metodico” finally gets over the hump
Milan Melindo (35-2) has translated his previous setbacks to become the Interim IBF World Junior Flyweight belt in the main event of ALA Promotions’ Pinoy Pride 39 at the Cebu Coliseum, Saturday Night.
The former two-time world title challenger edged Fahlan Sakkreerin Jr. (31-5-1) of Thailand in a back-and-forth affair. Despite being the smaller fighter, Melindo was able to turn it into his favor. He was able to dictate most of the fight with his well-timed counter attacks against the number three-ranked Thai pugilist.
Towards the latter rounds, Sakkreerin tried to make a last ditch effort to steal the fight. But Melindo was able to ward it off thanks to the roaring Cebuano crowd who cheered for him.
After the final bell, all three judges scored the bout in favor of Melindo, 117-111, 115-113, 115-113 to be crowned the new interim champion.
“Unang una po sa lahat, nagpapasalamat po ako kay Jesus Christ. Maraming salamat din po sa manager ko, si Antonio Lopez Aldeguer, promoter ko, si Michael Pestano Aldeguer, Aldeguer family, Ala Promotions. Maraming salamat din po sa mga nanuod. Mga Bisaya, mga taga-Mindanao at taga-Luzon,” a grateful Melindo said.
“Maraming salamat po!”
In the co-main event, Pagara brothers notched pivotal wins in their respective fights. Jason Pagara (40-2) stopped former champion Jose Alfaro (28-11-1) with bodyshots in the first round. On the other hand, Albert (27-1) bounced back big by defeating Ghanan Raymund Commey (16-4) via unanimous decision in his return to the ring after suffering his first career loss to Cesar Juarez.
Jeo Santisima (12-2) and Rex Wa-o (11-5) put up an exciting performance to the delight of the crowd. “Santino” stopped the Wa-o in the fifth round via TKO but that was before a valiant stand from the
Rising prospect KJ Cataraja (5-0) meanwhile only needed thirty-one seconds to dispatch John Kenan Villaflor (6-2-2), winning the fight via TKO.
Pinoy Pride 39 results:
November 27, 2016 – Cebu City Coliseum, Cebu City
Milan Melindo def. Fahlan Sakkreerin, Jr. (UD, 117-111, 115-113, 115-113)*
Jason Pagara def. Jose Alfaro (TKO, 2:59 1st)
Albert Pagara def. Raymond Commey (UD, 99-91 x3)
Jeo Santisima def. Rex Wa-o (TKO, 2:28 5th)
Jimmy Paypa def. Jerry Nardo (KO, 0:43 3rd)
KJ Cataraja def. John Kenan Villaflor (TKO, 0:31 1st)
Melvin Jerusalem def. Fabio Marfa (UD, 60-54, 59-55, 59-55)
Virgel Vitor def Jonathan Fransisco (TKO, 2:50 4th)
