Winning a world championship is every fighters’ end game
The dream became a reality for 28-year-old Cebuano Milan “El Metodico” Melindo, becoming the interim IBF World Light Flyweight champion. But before he was able to become one, he had to endure setbacks.
Melindo suffered two setbacks in his career, none more heartbreaking than the technical decision loss he absorbed against Javier Mendoza last May of 2015. The match had the highest of stakes as the IBF World Light Flyweight championship on the line.
With doubts creeping in if he good get the proverbial monkey off his back, there was one man who did not give up on him, one man who always believed: his manager Antonio Aldeguer.
Once Melindo finally achieved his dream, defeating Fahlan Sakkreerin for the crown, Melindo stayed true.
“Masaya po ako (na magchampion) kasi hindi lang pangarap ko ang natupad ko, pati yung pangarap ng manager ko. Si Sir Antonio Lopez Aldeguer,” he said moments after Pinoy Pride 39.
Melindo then shared that joining the ALA stable changed his life. The belts and the trophies are just bonuses for ALA’s head honcho, what matters for them is to be champions and role models outside of the squared circle.
“Pangarap niya po talaga na maging world champion ako kasi alam niyo po, si sir ALA, love na love niya yung mga boxer niya,” he shared.
“Gusto niyang maging world champion, may pangalan, respetado at may respeto sa sarili.”
The journey though is not yet over for Melindo as he now has the chance to unify the IBF crown against Japanese holder Akira Yaegashi. He is hoping that the fight will push through to continue giving back to his mentor.
“Sana po mangyari ‘yun.”
And in order for Melindo to move forward, he has to look back.
