Melindo to risk title vs Budler in battle of world champions
Reigning IBF light flyweight champion Milan ‘El Metodico’ Melindo (L) poses with ALA Promotions President Michael Aldeguer (C) and trainer Edito 'ALA' Villamor during a press conference yesterday at the Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino. Melindo will make his first defense against IBO 108-pound titlist Hekkie ‘Hexecutioner’ Budler of South Africa in an exciting showdown of world champions. Paul Jun E. Rosaroso
CEBU, Philippines - Milan ‘El Metodico’ Melindo (36-2, 13KOs) gets a chance to prove his worth as a world champion as he is set to defend his IBF light flyweight title for the first time against fellow world champ Hekkie ‘Hexecutioner’ Budler (31-2, 10KOs) of South Africa the main event of Pinoy Pride 42 on September 26 with no confirmed venue.
Melindo snared the IBF crown with a devastating first-round knockout of two-division world titleholder Akira Yaegashi of Japan last May 21 in Tokyo.
“I asked for a fight like this. I am facing not just a known opponent but a world champion. We are both in our prime and I am expecting him (Budler) to give me a good fight,” said Melindo in a press conference yesterday at the Caspian room of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
“I am not looking past Budler, but I will beat this guy impressively to send a message that I am here to unify all the belts in the 108 lbs. division,” added the fighting pride of Cagayan de Oro City.
But it will be a tall order for Melindo.
Budler, the reigning IBO champion, once held court in the WBA minimumweight division. He vied for the WBA 108-pound bel but lost via unanimous decision to Nicaraguan Byron Rojas last year.
The 29-year-old Budler is also known as a ‘Filipino Executioner’ having defeated four of his Pinoy foes including former world champion Florante Condes, Renan Trongco, Juanito Rubillar and Joey Canoy.
“We could have chosen an easy opponent for Milan but we felt that getting the dangerous Budler would help him in cementing his claim as a legitimate world champion,” said ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael Aldeguer.
Melindo is one of the three remaining Filipino world titlists. The others are his ALA stablemate Donnie ‘Ahas’ Nietes (IBF flyweight) and Jerwin Ancajas (IBF super flyweight).
Aside from Melindo, also set to see action in the Pinoy Pride 42 show are the WBO No.1 junior welterweight contender Jason ‘El Niño’ Pagara, ‘King’ Arthur Villanueva and Jonas ‘Zorro’ Sultan. (BANAT NEWS)
- Latest
