MELINDO MAKES LIMIT IN 2 HOURS
Despite stripping, Melindo fails to make 108-pound limit in 1st try Coach says failure to make limit in first try won’t affect Melindo in fight night Challenger Hekkie Budler says he’s done everything for title challenge
Milan Melindo could have easily lost his International Boxing Federation (IBF) light flyweight belt on the scales after weighing-in over the limit.
But after an hour in the sauna and a little bit of faith, Melindo made it at exactly 108 pounds and will be defending his belt tonight against South Aftican challenger Hekkie Budler in the main event of Pinoy Pride 42 - “Clash for Glory” at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino.
“In the morning, I was just over two pounds and that is very easy to make. I think this is God’s test, if I’m really determined to to defend my belt,” said Melindo. “I told God that if I didn’t make weight, then it’s time to move up. I just went up there to test my weight and then amazingly, I made it. I know this is just God’s challenge to test my faith.”
Melindo took his underwear off but tipped the scale at 109 1/4 pounds, while Budler weighed-in at 108 pounds at the Activity Center of SM City Cebu. He, however, shed off the excess weight easily in the sauna.
“It won’t affect me. I thank the fans for all the support. Maybe this will go my way because he’ll think that I’m drained,” said the 29-year- old from Cagayan de Oro.
This is Melindo’s first title defense after winning the regular belt with a rousing first round knockout of Japanese star Akira Yaegashi.
“I know it won’t affect his performance. It’s just normal for a boxer. He looks okay. He knows his body very well,” said Melindo’s coach Edito Villamor.
ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer was also a bit puzzled why Melindo was overweight but he was optimistic that his ward would make weight.
“We were kind of surprised but the trend was the same. It was harder in Japan because of the weather but the trend was still the same and he still made weight,” he said.
Budler was also convinced that Melindo would make the limit in his second try.
“Sometimes it’s just a bit of extra fluid. I’m super ready, we already did everything and all the hard work has already been done, “said the 29-year-old former world champion. “I’m ready to show the people a good fight.”
Melindo is 36-2 with 13 knockouts, while Budler is 31-2 with 10 knockouts.
Two- division world champion Johnriel Casimero (24-3, 15 KOs) and prospect Jonas Sultan (13-3, 9 KOs) are fighting in an IBF super flyweight title eliminator. The winner of the eliminator becomes the No. 1 contender of fellow Filipino and current IBF super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas.
World Boxing Organization (WBO) No. 3 rated light welterweight Jason Pagara (40-2, 25 KOs) slugs it out with Kenyan journeyman James Onyango (2311-1, 19 KOs) in a 10-rounder.
Two-time world title challenger Arthur Villanueva (30-2, 16 KOs) faces off with fellow veteran Richie Mepranum (31-6-1, 8 KOs) in another interesting all-Filipino bout.
In the undercard, KJ Cataraja (6-0, 5 KOs) locks horns with Wiljan Ugbaniel (13-5-1, 4 KOs), Virgel Vitor (10-1, 6 KOs) trades leathers with Alvin Bais (15-9-1, 4 KOs), Kenneth Gentallan (5-0-1, 3 KOs) is up against Jeffrey Stella (4-3-1, 4 KOs) and Jeno Macapobre (1-0) takes on Mel Ando (0-1). /
I give a slight edge to Triple G because of his sheer punching power with both hands. Canelo has to fight the best fight of his life, just like when I fought (Marvin) Hagler. I had to be technically sharp, strategically sharp and smart. SUGARY RAY LEONARD, boxing legend.