Melindo vows to dethrone Shiro

CEBU, Philippines — Milan ‘El Metodico’ Melindo (36-3, 13KOs) expressed confidence that he will come out victorious over Japanese champion Ken Shiro (13-0, 7KOs) in their 12-round rumble for the WBC light flyweight title on October 7 at the Yokohama Arena in Japan.

“He (Shiro) is great tactical fighter like me but I believe that my strategy will prevail,” said Melindo in a press conference yesterday at the Summit Circle Cebu Hotel. “I already figured him out. I am 100 percent sure of winning.”

Melindo is itching to return to action after losing his IBF title to Ryoichi Taguchi in a unification bout last New Year’s eve.

“This is probably the most important fight of my career. I will do everything to get that belt. I will do whatever it takes,” said the pride of Cagayan De Oro City.

Melindo also believes that his vast experience will make a big difference against the Japanese. “Experience will be a big factor in our fight. This kid is strong but I have surpassed so many tests inside the ring and I am ready for what he is going to bring,” added the 30-year-old Melindo.

Meanwhile, ALA chief trainer Edito Villamor said that his ward has a very big chance of dethroning Shiro.

“We are happy that Shiro chose Milan as his next challenger. He wants Milan because Milan is known in Japan, but he should also be ready because this will be a hard fight for him and I believe that Milan is going to Japan with a mission to get that belt,” said Villamor.

Villamor added that Melindo is in top shape as he enters the final phase of his rigid training regimen.

He added that Melindo has logged close to a hundred rounds of no-holds barred sparring sessions against stablemates Kevin Jake Cataraja and one-time world title challenger Melvin Jerusalem.