ALA Boys Milan “Milenyo” Melindo and AJ “Bazooka” Banal plan to ruin their foreign foes’ Philippine debut as they vowed to end the night early with knockouts in their respective fights in ALA Promotions’ and Smart Sports’ “Bakbakan sa Sinulog” boxing spectacle at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino tomorrow night.
The unbeaten Melindo, who is highly-rated in all the four major boxing sanctioning bodies, is convinced that he will end the bout prematurely by stopping former amateur standout Anthony “Baby Assassin” Villareal and take away his World Boxing Council Youth Intercontinental flyweight title.
“I’m confident that I will win this. I want the people to enjoy this fight and I will win by knockout,” Melindo boldly predicted in the final press conference at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino.
However, the 22-year-old Villareal, who is a three-time Golden Gloves champion, is unfazed by Melindo’s fearless forecast because he is confident that he is the superior fighter because of his extensive amateur background.
“To knock somebody out, you got to hit him. I’m not just going to sit in front of him. Good luck with the knockout,” said Villareal, who boasts of an amateur record of 82-9.
“This is our fight. Anthony’s got too much size, speed, power and experience,” echoed Villareal’s boxing trainer, Alberto Franco.
Record
The 21-year-old Melindo has an unblemished record of 19-0 with five knockouts while Villareal, whose fighting style resembles that of a mix between Floyd Mayweather and Shane Mosley, is 9-2 with four knockouts.
Banal, 21, is making waves in the bantamweight ranks and plans to continue his winning streak in the 118-pound category by disposing veteran Mexican warrior and former world title contender Cecilio Santos.
“I’m ready for a world championship. I’m well conditioned for this fight. I’m a hundred percent sure of knocking him out,” said Banal.
On the other hand, the 31-year-old Santos has other things in mind as he plans to use Banal as his stepping stone for another run at a world title.
“I want to be ranked. I want to take on the best fighters in the world,” said Santos, who has fought for a world title thrice and has fought some of the best in his division.
Undercard
Banal is 20-1-1 with 16 knockouts, while Santos is 24-11-3 with 14 knockouts.
Meanwhile, in the undercard, young ALA fighter James Bacon is set to trade leathers with Thai fighter Thitichon Singwancha, up-and-coming prospect Larry Canillas faces off with Petch Twins Gym, the wacky Jun Intor battles unheralded Romnick Hoybia, and Jonel Gadapan is up against Jayson Inso.
The fight card also features two exhibition bouts from four amateur fighters of the RP National squad. Female warriors Karina Jan Recaido and Irish Magno take on each other while Adonis Cabalguinto slugs it out with Jimmy Vallares.