Pinoy Pride: Mexican Juan Esquer claims edge vs Milan Melindo

Milan Melindo will stake his title belt against Juan Esquer. Philboxing.com/ Dong Secuya

MANILA, Philippines—Mexican warrior Juan Esquer is no stranger to world title fights.

And he believes that that will be his edge when he battles Filipino Milan Melindo on Saturday in the main event of the Pinoy Pride XI: Philippines vs the World at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City.

Melindo will be staking his WBO Intercontinental flyweight title against the knockout artist Esquer, who has fought against six world champions in the 112-pound division.

“I came here to get the title from him (Melindo),” Esquer said through an interpreter at a press conference at Shakey’s UN Avenue in Manila. “I’m an agressive fighter and Melindo will be surprised.”

Melindo boasts of a perfect 25-0-0 record with nine knockouts, earning him the monicker “El Metodico” for his fine technical skills.

But Esquer said that he has the advantage because of his experience fighting the likes of compatriot Ivan Calderon and Colombian Carlos Tamara, who defeated Filipino fighter Brian Viloria in a title fight two years ago.

Esquer lost both fights and actually won just one of six title bouts.

Reigning WBO Oriental featherweight champion Lorenzo Villanueva battles another Mexican Diego “Tyson” Ledesma in the main supporting bout.

Four more Filipino fighters face foreign foes in the card presented by ALA Promotions.

Mhar Jun Mcahilig fights Thai Kaichon Sor Vorapin, a former WBO Asia-Pacific champ; Merlito Sabillo duels Sofyan Effendi of Indonesia at 107 lb; Joseph Von Minoza faces Kim Yoo-shin of Korea at 128 lb; and Alvin Aresgado battles Kazuya Harada of Japan at 116 lb.