Monday, July 28, 2008 Milendo, Domingo win regional belts
YOUNG ALA boy Milan “Milenyo” Melindo proved that he is at a different level as he triumphed over the tough Panamanian warrior Carlos “Shanghai” Melo in a unanimous decision and wrested the vacant World Boxing Association Intercontinental light flyweight crown last Saturday at the Cebu Coliseum.
After 12 rounds, all the judges scored in favor of the Cagayan de Oro fighter with two judges seeing it 117-111 while the other had it at 116-112.
Melindo improved to 16-0 with 4 KOs, while Melo dropped to 18-7 with 2 KOs.
Melindo’s main arsenal for most of the fight was his powerful shots to the body of Melo, which certainly hurt him as he focused his defense to the abdominal area.
“Before that fight nobody knew who Milan was. It was his biggest break and it’s his time to shine,” ALA Promotions President Michael Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu after Melindo’s victory.“He had a lot to prove and he showed it last night.”
On the other hand, also as impressive as Melindo, Michael Domingo ended the bout early after sending the top Indonesian prospect, Rivo Rengkung, to the canvas in a second round KO victory to win the vacant World Boxing Organization Oriental bantamweight title.
Famed ALA Gym head trainer Edito “Ala” Villamor quickly jumped inside the ring and hugged the triumphant ALA fighter after referee Tony Pesons counted the dazed Indonesian out.
A devastating right uppercut to the head in the 46 second mark of the second round cut short the fight.
With this victory, Domingo will be campaigning in the US and will be gunning for a world title shot.
“We will send Michael to the US He will be ranked at the top 10. This is his stepping stone for a world title fight,” said Aldeguer.
Meanwhile, in the undercard ALA Gym pugilist James Bacon destroyed Indonesian Skak Max in the 2:59 mark of the sixth round via TKO; Brenda Shaylor suffered her first loss at the hands of Filipina boxer Reynalyn Consejo Jacob in a unanimous decision; the zany cook and aspiring boxer Jun “Flash Mongo” Intor outpaced Roldan Malinao via unanimous decision;
Leonardo Donorio edged ALA Gym’s Robert Allanic via split decision and Hilario Canillas knocked out Ramil Cabalan in the second round. (EKA)
