FORMER world champion Milan Melindo makes the first title defense of his Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) Silver featherweight strap against South Korean prospect Kang Jong Seon on Saturday, July 1, 2023, in Gwangju City, South Korea.
“My training went well. This will be a good fight because I’m fighting in his territory. This will be a challenge because my opponent is tall and skillful,” Melindo told SunStar Cebu. “I will surprise the boxing world.”
Melindo won the OPBF Silver featherweight belt with a lopsided unanimous decision over tough Thai Chaiwat Buatkrathok on Jan. 11 in Cebu City.
The 35-year-old Melindo has been training at the Prime Stags Gym in Talisay City. He had a solid camp with quality sparring with the likes of Filipino boxing legend Nonito Donaire Jr., former world champion Johnriel Casimero, former world title challenger Jeo Santisima, Kit Ceron Garces, Pete Apolinar, Franco Serafica, Marco Pomar and Ian Donaire.
Melindo is the former International Boxing Federation light flyweight champion after dethroning Akira Yaegashi in 2017.
Meanwhile, Kang is a former World Boxing Organization Oriental featherweight titleholder. He won the vacant title with a unanimous-decision win over Nam Jun Lee in 2021.
Kang suffered his first career defeat last year after bowing down to Filipino prospect Lienard Sarcon in South Korea. He successfully bounced back with a fourth-round technical knockout of Indonesian journeyman Ricky Manufoe on Feb. 18.
Melindo tipped the scales at 125.5 pounds, while the 21-year-old Kang weighed-in at 125.9 pounds.
Melindo is 39-5 with 14 knockouts, while Kang is 16-1-2 with nine knockouts. (EKA)