Melindo-Vega in Pinoy Pride

THE epic rivalry between the Philippines and Mexico escalates as unbeaten Milan Melindo faces Rosendo Vega in the main event of “Pinoy Pride 4—Philippines vs. World” next month at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino.

Milendo, one of Philippines’ most promising prospects in the lower weight divisions, wants to continue the recent success of Filipinos against Mexicans.

“I’m comfortable in this weight (112 lbs.). I feel stronger and faster,” said the 22-year-old ALA Gym mainstay in a press conference at the Mooon Café in IT Park yesterday. “I haven’t seen his fights. I will read his style in the first round. I know I can take him on because I’m a Pinoy.”

Vega is 33-year-old veteran that has been fighting since 1996. He has a record of 17-6 with 11 knockouts and has fought but lost to World Boxing Association flyweight champion Daiki Kameda.

Melindo, 23-0, with seven knockouts, was supposed to be fighting for an International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight eliminator. However, because three opponents suggested to him by the IBF – Ritchie Mepranum, Rayonta Whitfield and Fred Mundraby turned the offer down then he had to keep himself busy by fighting Vega.

“We wanted him to be the mandatory. Milan has the right to be No. 1 (contender),” ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer said. “He has to win the fight. Hopefully IBF will give him the mandatory (spot).”

The blockbuster fourth installment of the “Pinoy Pride” series is also jammed-pack with potential exciting bouts, which includes four other foreign fighters of different nationalities.

AJ Banal (23-1-1, 18 KOs) is co-headlining the boxing show, laying on the line his World Boxing Organization bantamweight crown against Tanzanian champion Francis Miyeyusho (29-8-2, 17 KOs).

Unbeaten Canadian prospect Steve Claggett (11-0-1, 6 KOs) takes on Boholano Romeo Jackosalem (11-4-1, 5 KOs); Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation flyweight king Rocky Fuentes is up against Indonesian Jemmy Gobel (15-7-5, 12 KOs); and Marjohn Yap (14-5, 7 KOs) trades leathers with Japanese Kenichi Yamaguchi (16-1-2, 4 KOs).