Wednesday, March 05, 2008 Melinyo, Cobra fight is RP, Indonesia pride
WILL it be Philippines or Indonesia? When the fight night comes on “Do or Die: The Power of Two”, it will be a battle for pride for both countries as ALA boy Milan “Melinyo” Melindo and Indonesian Sofyan “The Cobra” Effendi will trade leathers at the Mandaue Sports Complex on March 7.
The Cagayan de Oro City-born Melindo and the Surabaya-born Effendi both agreed on one thing and that is dedicating their fight two days from now for the pride of their countries.
Melindo, who is fighting in his own turf, will be expecting the support of the Filipino populace and promised a fight to remember.
“This will be a great fight. I hope for the people’s support. This fight is not only for me but also for my country,” said Melindo in a press conference yesterday at the Sugbahan Restaurant in Mandaue City.
Effendi said he is in good shape and believes that he will win the fight on Friday night.
“I’m in good condition. I think I’ll win the fight,” said Effendi when asked what he thought about the fight.
But Melindo has other plans for the outcome of the bout and said “I need a knockout, but I will not act rashly I will be studying his style first.”
Milendo is the World Boxing Organization Asia Pacific minimum-weight champion and is ranked No.2 in WBO, No. 34 in WBC and brags an unblemished professional record of 14-0 with 4 KO’s. Effendi is ranked No.2 in the Pan Asia Boxing Association and has a 7-4-1 win-loss-draw record with 6 KO’s to go along with it.
In the undercard, another ALA boxer, Weng Haya (9-1, 6 KO’s), will see action against Butuan City-based veteran Pedro “Cobrita” Malco (14-15-2, 5 KO’s) in a 10 rounder.
This will be a true test for an up-and-rising boxer like Haya to be pitted in the ring with an experienced fighter like Malco.
Malco is a tough nut to crack and has faced the likes of Jim Rex Jaca, Fahprakorb Rakkiatgym, Ratanachai Sor Vorapin, Fahsan 3K Battery, Terdsak Jandaeng and Nedal Hussein.
Another fight that fans will be looking forward is between ALA boy hopeful Jether Olivia (7-0, 7 KO’s) and Roel Honor (2-6, 1 KO).
Olivia is a hard hitter who is hoping to be part of the ALA Gym family. He is currently training at ALA Gym and hails from Gen. Santos City.
Another ALA boy hopeful, American Steven Garrett will be fighting a four round special bout against Eman Labanza of Tagbilaran City. (EKA)
