Melindo eyes KO win vs Thai

CEBU, Philippines - Confidence is rising in the psyche of two-time world title challenger Milan ‘El Metodico’ Melindo (34-2, 12KOs) as he vowed to deliver a knockout against Fahlan Sakkreerin, Jr. (31-4, 16KOs) of Thailand in their interim IBF light flyweight title showdown in the main event of the ‘Pinoy Pride 39: Road to Redemption’ fightcard this Saturday night at the Cebu Coliseum.

“I will knock him out,” said Melindo in the event's final press conference yesterday at the Social in SM Seaside City. “I am not underestimating my opponent. It's just I trained hard and long for this fight and from the start of my camp, my plan is really to knock my opponent out.”

Melindo promised to be the more aggressive fighter and will impose his will with his speed and power against the Thai warrior. “I am in the best shape of my career and no one can deny with me with this chance.”

Sakkreerin appears calm in the face of Melindo's vicious verbal jabs but warned the ALA Gym warrior that he is in for a tough fight. “He can say whatever he wants. Just like him, this fight is important for me. I also want to be a world champion.”

On his end, ALA Promotions President Michael Aldeguer expressed his  full trust and confidence to Melindo but said that Sakreerin is the kind of opponent that couldn't be taken lightly.

“I am confident with Milan’s chance of winning. We have talked to him and he is aware that this one is crucial. This will be his last chance to become a world champion,” said Aldeguer. “He has always been one of our fighters that have big potential to be a world champ and hopefully this is the chance that we have all been waiting for.”

Aside from winning the interim crown, Aldeguer also wants Melindo to win to erase their painful memory the last time they held a boxing show at the Cebu Coliseum. On that fateful night of July 26, 2008, AJ "Bazooka" Banal lost by a devastating 10th round stoppage to Panamian Rafael "El Torito" Concepcion in their WBA interim super flyweight title match.

“I hope Milan will erase that stigma on Saturday night. I looked forward to a sweet victory at the Cebu Coliseum,” said Aldeguer.

In a pair of special attraction beefing up the slambang show bankrolled by ALA Promotions in partnership with ABS-CBN Sports, the celebrated Pagara siblings ‘Prince’ Albert  and Jason ‘El Niño’  will tackle separate foes.

Coming off a 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, Albert (26-1, 18KOs) hopes to regain lost pride and glory when he takes on Raymond Commey (16-3, 9KOs) of Ghana, while his older brother Jason (39-2, 24KOs) braces for a tough challenge against the Nicaraguan hard-hitter Jose ‘Quibra Jicara’ Alfaro (28-10, 24KOs). (FREEMAN)