MELINDO CAPTURES WBC YOUTH INTERCONTINENTAL FLYWEIGHT TITLE WITH UNANIMOUS DECISION OVER VILLAREAL

MANILA, PHILIPPINES—Count the World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth Intercontinental Flyweight title to the growing list of crown Filipino rising star Milan Melindo has collected.

The Cagayan de Oro City Melindo, nicknamed as “Milenyo” outclassed American Anthony “Baby Assassin” Villareal via ten round unanimous decision to win his third championships belt in different world sanctioned bodies late Thursday dubbed as “Bakbakan sa Sinulog” at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu City

Judges saw it 97-93, 95-94 and 96-93 all on favor of the still undefeated Melindo, also the WBO Asia Pacific minimum weight and WBA Intercontinental light flyweight title-holder.

Aside from winning the title and preserved his lofty world ranking and undefeated record, the 21-year-old Milendo improved his record to 20-0 with 5 KO’s while Villareal fell to 9-3 with 4 KO’s.

Touted as the next possible world champion from the fabled ALA stable, Melindo scored big in the opening stanza when he knocked down Villareal with a solid right during an exchange. Although Villareal is the slicker boxer, Melindo used his counter punching skills to outpoint the American.

Melindo is ranked no.1 by the WBO, No.3 by the WBA and IBF and No.5 by the WBC.

ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer lauded Melindo feat saying that they are targeting the mini-flyweight belts for Melindo, who is highly-rated in the four major boxing sanctioning bodies.

“It was an impressive win for Milan. We knew that it would be a tough fight. It was a great fight for the fans,” said Aldeuer. “He may need one or two more fights before fighting for a world title but if we get an offer then we’ll go for it.”

In the co-main event, another ALA stable stalwart AJ “Bazooka” Banal, continued his winning run in the bantamweight division with a fourth-round knockout over veteran former title contender Mexican Cecilio “Boga” Santos in their 10-round non-title fight.

Banal connected a right hook to Santos’ face, staggering the Mexican. Bazooka then gave a blistering punch to knock down his opponent.

Santos failed to beat the count and absorbed his 12th loss against 24 wins and 3 draws. Banal improved to 21 wins, 1 defeat and 1 draw.

In the undercard, Filipino super featherweight James Bacon knocked out Thai Thitichon Singwancha in the fourth to raise his 11-1 ring record while Singwancha absorbed his 4th loss against 12 wins.

Larry “Bon Jovi” Canillas scored a knockout in the second round against Petch Twins Gym of Thailand to continue his knockout streak to four fights ending in three rounds or less. Canillas is now 12W- 1 L, 11 KO’s.

In the Preliminary bouts, Jayson Inso  won by four round unanimous decision over Jonel Gadapan while Cebu pug Jojo “The Flash” Intor won by four round majority decision over Romnick Hoybia. In other results, Adonis Cabalquinto prevailed over Jimmy Vallares on points to rules the men’s divisions in the Amateur bout while Irish Magno topped the women’s side beating Katrina Jane Recaido also on points.

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO.