Melindo fails to win WBA/WBO belts, loses to Viloria’s conqueror

Milan Melindo. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Filipino prospect Milan Melindo survived a late knockdown but didn’t have enough left in the end to get past Mexican champion Juan Francisco Estrada in their flyweight championship bout late Saturday night in Macau, China.

According to Top Rank’s official Twitter account, the erstwhile unbeaten Melindo lost via unanimous decision, 109-118, 109-117, 109-118, as Estrada retained his WBA and WBO belts he won over another Filipino in Brian Viloria last April.

The 25-year-old Melindo (29-1, 12 KOs), who sustained a cut on his right eye in the sixth round, got dropped off a counter punch as the 11th round came to a close.

The hard-hitting Estrada (24-2, 18 KOs) again smelled blood and went for the finish in the final round but the Filipino’s heart held on as the fight went the distance.