Ni: Gilbert Espeña
HANDA na si IBF light flyweight champion Milan Melindo sa kanyang unification bout kay IBO junior flyweight titlist Hekkie Budler ng South Africa sa Setyembre 16 sa Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino sa Cebu City.
Ito ang unang pagdepensa ng 29-anyos na si Melindo mula nang maging regular IBF champion matapos pabagsakin ng tatlong beses at talunin via 1st round TKO three-division world champion Akira Yaegashi ng Japan noong nakaraang Mayo 21 sa Ariake Colosseum sa Tokyo.
“It was a huge win in Tokyo against a respected three-division world champion in Yaegashi. Milan executed the game plan to perfection but it was such a surprise he was able to knock the champ out in the first round as Yaegashi is known to be one of the most durable champions,” sabi ni Michael Aldeguer, pangulo at CEO ng ALA Boxing Group.
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Matapos maagawan ng WBA at IBO minimumweight titles, natamo naman ni Budler ang bakanteng IBO light flyweight title nitong Pebrero nang mapatigil sa 7th round ang Pilipinong si Joey Canoy sa Gauteng, South Africa.
“We know it is going to be a tough and exciting fight as both Melindo and Budler are champs in their own rights.
Milan wants to prove that he deserved to be a world champion and the easiest way to do just that is to have a title defense that could really test him. Budler is a tough nut to crack and it will indeed be a great fight for the fans as it could most definitely turn into a major upset for either one of them,” ani Aldeguer.
Kung magtatagumpay sa kanyang unang depensa, nais ikasa ni Aldeguer si Melindo sa mga kampeon ng dibisyon sa WBC, WBA at WBO.
”We want bigger fights for Milan [after this one]. Budler was our choice as an opponent after we decided to get some proof that indeed Milan has arrived,” dagdag ni Aldeguer. “We think he can prove just that with a win over former world champion and current IBO light flyweight titlist Budler. If Milan wins this fight, the next target for him will be a title unification in his division [against either one of the belt holders].”
