Melindo turns down Petalcorin challenge
Philippine interim champion Milan Melindo after defeating Japanese champion Akira Yaegashi in the first round of their IBF light flyweight boxing unified champion match in Tokyo. Melindo knocked out Yaegashi in the first round to win the title. Associated Press
CEBU, Philippines - Newly-crowned International Boxing Federation light flyweight champion Milan 'El Metodico" Melindo (36-2, 13KOs) has turned down the challenge of a rare all-Filipino world title fight hurled at him by former world champion and currently IBF ranked No.4 108-pounder Randy Petalcorin (26-2-1, 19KOs) of General Santos City.
Days before Melindo is set challenge defending Japanese champion Akira Yaegashi, Petalcorin, the IBF Pan-Pacific titleholder fighting out of the Sanman Boxing Club based in Gensan, expessed his desire to fight the winner of the match.
“I want to fight the winner. I hope the winner has the balls to fight me,” said Petalcorin, who once reigned as the interim WBA light flyweight king.
The victory turned out to be Melindo, who dethroned Yaegashi via an earth-shaking first round stoppage last Sunday at the Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo, Japan.
Petalcorin's move is strongly supported by his manager, Sanman Promotions CEO Jim Claude 'JC' Mananquil.
“I hope that he will give Randy a shot," said Manangquil.
The 24-year-old 'Promoter of the Year' awardee sees nothing wrong with an all-Pinoy championship bout on the world stage.
“I think this is one of the things we need to accept to bring back the glory day of Philippine boxing,” he added.
However, ALA chief trainer Edito 'ALA' Villamor thinks otherwise.
"At the moment, we are very thankful for Milan for bringing honor and glory for the Philippines," said Villamor. "With regards to that Filipino vs Filipino fight, it's unlikely at this point. We still need to have more Filipino champions and when that time comes, maybe we will happen."
Asked if he would accept the challenge, Melindo was mum at first. "I can't answer that,' he said. When pressed further if he would personally want to fight Petalcorin: 'No' was the fortright reply of the fighting pride of Cagayan de Oro City.
In Philippine boxing history, a Pinoy vs Pinoy world championship match happened only once between Pancho Villa and Clevel Sencio on May 2, 1925 at the Wallace Field (now the Luneta Park) in Manila. Villa won by 15-round unanimous decision to retain his world flyweight crown in what turned out to be the last victory of his young career. (FREEMAN)
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