Missed the flyweight world title fight

By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

 

I ARRIVED late and missed the world title fight between Philippines’ Milan Melindo and Thailand’s Fahlan Sakkreerin, and others, held in Cebu City  last November 26. My flight from Clark was delayed by around 40 minutes. I made the mistake of booking a flight on the day of the fight to shorten my stay in Cebu obviously to minimize my expenses. My friend and cycling contemporary Joe Deresas of Cebu City who met me at the Mactan International Airport, rushed to the Cebu Coliseum, only to be told by the taxi driver that the “Pinoy Pride, 39 Road to Redemption” was already over!  We thoroughly missed the three world-rated prized-fighters, the Pagara siblings (Jason and Albert) and Melindo as the headliner. Our driver happily gave us an update based on radio reports. He said the eight pairs of slam bang started at 5 pm and Jason, 24, in the undercard knocked out the former WBA (World Boxing Association) lightweight champion Jose Alfaro of Nicaragua in the first round.  And, Jason’s brother Albert, and Melindo both won via 10-round and 12 unanimous decisions, respectively.  That was good news but we felt even worse because we missed the clash in the flesh which was the main purpose of my trip.

Watching the replay on TV the following day, while the younger Pagara, Albert, 22, nicknamed “The Prince,” was victorious against Raymond Commey of Ghana, his win was not so impressive at all. Clearly Albert was even booed by the partisan crowd when the verdict was announced. I guess he’s still suffering from his devastating knockout defeat last July in the hands of Cesar Suarez of Mexico held at Carson City, California. There were times that Albert rocked Commey, (16W, 4L, 9Kos) with solid combinations but the sturdy Ghanian brawler answered with his own hits and received applause from the throng in the end. “He will be back for sure, let’s give him some time,” said Michael Aldeguer, the top honcho of ALA Promotions who promoted the project. I agree.

I noted that the elder Pagara, Jason, easily scored a first round kayo win because of his series of hooks to the body that sent Alfaro kneeling to the canvas, grimacing in pain. He was counted out by the referee. Jason now totes 40 conquests with only two letdowns.

Cagayan City-born Melindo, nicknamed “El Metodico.” came out as the more aggressive boxer landing more solid punches to get the nod of the three ring judges (115=113, 115-113, 117-111), and clinched the interim junior flyweight tiara of the IBF (International Boxing Federation). Melindo and Sakkreerin loomed as the two top contenders of IBF, fought when the regular world titleholder Akira Yaegashi of Japan failed to defend his title due to injuries. Melindo and Yaegashi are now mandated to do battle for the regular crown. The last I heard before I took my flight back home, it will be held in Cebu City and most likely at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino. Let’s wait and see. If lucky enough, Melindo, 32, will be our concurrent sixth world champion with Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao at the helm.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry. PSALMS 34: 15

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