Officials named for Melindo versus Budler IBF title fight
ALA Promotions has announced the referee and judges assigned by the International Boxing Federation to officiate the showdown of world champions between Milan 'El Metodico' Melindo (IBF light flyweight) and South African Hekkie Budler (IBO) topbilling the hotlyanticipated 'Pinoy Pride 42:Clash for Glory' on September 16 at the Pacific grand ballroom of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino.
When the bell rings, Wesley Melton from Arizona, USA will be the third man on the ring, while Takeo Harada (Japan), Glenn Trowbridge (Las Vegas), and Carl Zappia (Perth, Australia) have been appointed as the official judges.
According to Golden Gloves, Melton has officiated numerous big fights involving boxers like Shane Mosley, Joe Parker and Roy Jones Jr., while Trowbridge judged Gervonta Davis’ IBF championship bout on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather vs Conor McGregor two weeks ago.
Games and Amusements Board (GAB) commissioner Fritz Gaston will also be coming over to supervise the fight.
Also featured in the explosive triple-header is a catchweight match between WBO ranked No.3 light welterweight Jason “El Niño” Pagara and former African welterweight champion Richmond Djar beng from Ghana.
For the third main bout, IBF Intercontinental champion Jonas 'Zorro' Sultan will face two-division world champion Johnriel “Quadro Alas” Casimero in a rare all-Filipino IBF bantamweight eliminator. The Sultan-Casimero fight will be officiated by the same IBF supervisor and judges, with referee Allen Huggins from New Jersey, USA.
Completing the blockbuster card are WBC rated No.10 super flyweight “King” Arthur Villanueva, former amateur standout KJ Cataraja, Virgil “Valiente” Vitor and Kenneth Gentallan from Tagbilaran City and Cebuano upstart Jeno Macapobre.
Tickets are available at Waterfront Hotel, selected RD pawnshops, ALA Fitness gyms in Parkmall, BTC, and Paseo, Ayala Center Cebu concierge, First 5 Sports Lounge and Cafe and ALA Promotions Talamban office. Ticket prices range from P300 up to P5,000.
For reservations and inquiries, one may contact 5059513, 0999-1551803 or 09959608017. —