Milan Melindo stops foe in return bout

FILE–Philippines’ Milan Melindo. AFP PHOTO / Dale de la Rey 

MANILA, Philippines–Returning boxer Milan Melindo scored a stoppage of Cris Omayao Saturday night in the Golpe de Valientes card at Southern City Colleges Arena in Zamboanga City.

The former world champion took the technical knockout victory in his first bout in over two years, punishing Omayao with several body blows and forcing the younger to quit before the seventh round started.

Melindo, who last fought in October 2019, hiked his record to 38-5 with 14 knockouts after three straight losses.

“I just took a sabbatical since ALA Promotions disbanded,” the 34-year-old Melindo said. “I’ve been in the sport since I was 6 years old and I’ve been competing non-stop until I was 32.”

Other fights featured in the card promoted by ZC Kings Promotion and Zamboanga Valientes are Conrado Tanamor, who won 56 seconds into the third round after knocking out John Sabellina, and Anthony Marcial, who beat Edward Mancito by unanimous decision. Celest Flores-Colina