Melindo retains jr fly title by split decision

A bloodied Milan Melindo knocked down Hecto “Hekkie” Budler in the 12th and final round Saturday night to salvage his International Boxing Federation junior flyweight crown by split decision at Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu City.

Coupled with a strong 11th performance, Melindo, who sustained cuts in both eyes, toppled the tough South African in the headliner of Pinoy Pride 42: Clash for Glory.

The Cagayan de Oro native dominated the early goings, but Hekkie found his bearing starting in the fourth and engaged the Filipino in furious exchanges on several occasions.

An accidental headbutt produced a cut on Melindo’s left eye, which was compounded by another bloody cut on the right eye in the 10th round.

Despite blurry vision, however, Melindo fought with energy and fury to earn the nod of judges Takeo Harada, 117-110, and Glenn Trowbrudge, 115-112. Judge Carl Zappia saw Budler the winner, 115-113.

The 29-year-old Melindo raised his record to 37-2 with 13 knockouts, while Budler, also 29 and also nicknamed “The Hexecutioner.” fell to 31-3 (10 KOs).

In the chief support, Jonas Sultan trounced former world champion Johnriel Casimero by scores of 116-112, 117-111, 115-113.

He earned the right to challenge countryman Jerwin Ancajas for the IBF super lightweight title.

Other bouts saw a fading Jason Pagara earn a split draw against late replacement James Onyango of Kenya in a welterweight bout and King Arthur Villanueva beat Richie Mepranum by third round technical knockout in a bantamweight tussle.

Rising star Kevin Jake Cataraja of Cebu climbed to 7-0 with six KOs following a second round stoppage of Gen. Santos City’s Wiljan Ugbaniel. —ROY LUARCA