Melindo, ‘Prince’ Albert on a mission

CEBU, Philippines - ALA Gym stalwarts Milan ‘El Metodico’ Melindo and ‘Prince’ Albert Pagara are both out to make a statement that all is not lost with regards to their world title dreams when they take on separate foes in the 39th edition of the highly successful Pinoy Pride boxing series on November 26 at the Cebu Coliseum.

The 28-year-old Melindo (34-2, 12KOs) is itching to make things right after flatering twice in his world championship quest as he battles Thai banger Fahlan Sakkreerin (31-4, 16KOs) for the interim IBF light flyweight strape.

“I am blessed because I have been given another chance to reach my dream of being a world champion. I want to make sure that I will finally accomplish it this time,” said Melindo in a press conference yesterday at the Abuhan Tres in Cebu IT Park.

In his first world title crack, Melindo lost by unanimous decision to Juan Francisco Estrada of Mexico on July 27, 2013 in Macau. He suffered a double whammy when he dropped a controversial sixth round technical decision to Javier Mendoza in their IBF title match on May 30, 2015 in Mexico.

“I am not looking past my opponent (Sakkreerin), but  I have already figured out a way to beat this guy,” Melindo said. “I saw his style and I can say that he will be an easy target for me.”

If victorious, Melindo will earn a mandatory shot at Japanese champion Akira Yaegashi who at the moment couldn't defend because of injury.

Pagara (26-1, 18KOs), on the other hand, will try to exorcise the ghost that kept on haunting him following his stunning eight round knockout loss to Mexican toughie Cesar Juarez  in their WBO Intercontinental super bantamweight championship bout last July 7 at the San Mateo Event Center in San Mateo, California.

That shock defeat has somehow became a huge roadblock in Pagara's pathway to becoming the next big star of the ALA Gym.

"Prince" Albert hopes to rebuild his name and regain lost glamour when he slugs it out with Raymond Commey of Ghana underneath the Melindo headliner.

“Honestly, I really wanted to quit boxing after what had happened,” the 22-year-old Pagara said. “But my family especially my wife pushed me to go on. Also, I  realized that I am still young and it’s not over for me yet.”

“I can say that I have fully recovered after that fight and I only think of it now as a lesson. This time, I will show that I am back. I am excited to climb back to the ring again.”

In another featured bout, Albert’s older brother and WBO No.1 junior welterweight Jason ‘El Niño’ Pagara (39-2, 24KOs) promised to end his campaign this year with a bang as he seeks a decisive victory against Nicaraguan Jose Alfaro (28-10, 24KOs). “I won two of my fights this year and I want to go 3-0. Hopefully, I can score a knockout against this guy.”

Four other ALA boxers will be fighting in the same card co-presented by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports. They are Jeo ‘Santino’ Santisima, Jimmy ‘Popeye’ Paypa, Jonas ‘Zorro’ Sultan, Melvin ‘Gringo’ Jerusalem and Kevin Jake ‘KJ’ Cataraja. (FREEMAN)