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[av_heading heading=’Melindo gunning for IBF belt in Pinoy Pride today ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
By ADRIAN STEWART CO
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MANILA – Milan Melindo will be gunning for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) Interim light flyweight belt when he faces Thai boxer Fahlan Sakkeerin Jr. in the main event of Pinoy Pride 39 tonight at the Cebu Coliseum.
This marks the Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental-native Melindo’s third attempt for the world championship after failing in his first two tries against Mexican boxers Juan Francisco Estrada and Javier Mendoza.
Melindo told Panay News that, unlike in his previous attempts, he is more motivated against Sakkeerin as it will be his first time to fight for a world championship belt in front of his hometown fans.
“The support from my fellow Filipinos is there and it really makes me motivated. What happens in this fight will show everyone how I have improved as a fighter,” said Melindo.
“This is my make or break chance. If I win, it means I have a chance of becoming a world champion. There’s no reason for me to lose,” added Melindo. “I hope I won’t disappoint my fans.”
The 28-year-old Melindo is set to parade an impressive 34-2-0 win-loss-draw ring record, including 12 stoppage wins, while Sakkeerin has a 31-4-1 slate, with 16 knockout victories.
Albert Pagara, meanwhile, will try to recover from his first career defeat when he faces Raymond Commey of Ghana in the co-main event of the fight card presented by ALA Boxing Promotions.
The Maasin, Southern Leyte-native Pagara comes fresh from his stunning defeat at the hands of Mexican Cesar Juarez at the San Mateo Events Center in San Mateo, California./PN
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