Melindo sheds weight to get IBF title break

MILAN Melindo could earn another world title shot sooner than later in his return to the 108-pound division.

Following a failed world title bid at flyweight, Melindo dropped to the light flyweight division and could be fighting for an International Boxing Federation (IBF) light flyweight title eliminator on Nov. 15 in Pinoy Pride 28History in the Making at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino.

It may be for an eliminator for the IBF No. 1, ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu. We just got notice from the IBF (for an eliminator) yesterday so we are looking at the possibility to do it on Nov. 15. It will depend on the negotiations.

The 26-year-old Melindo got his biggest break last year and fought for the World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight crowns of Juan Francisco Estrada.

Outclassed

Melindo, however, got outclassed by Estrada and lost by a one-sided unanimous verdict.

Melindo fought two more at flyweight and beat Mexicans Jose Alfredo Rodriguez and Martin Tecuapetla. He then decided to move back down to 108, a division in which he last fought at in 2009.

One of the opponents that are being mentioned by Aldeguer is Saul Juarez, who was one of the frontrunners as WBO light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes.

Nietes is defending his title in the main event of Pinoy Pride 28 against Mexican Carlos Velarde, who is rated No. 10 in the WBO.

We are still waiting for the contract. Hopefully this week or early next week, said Aldeguer, who has already sent contracts to both Velarde and Juarez.

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Melindo sheds weight to get IBF title break