CEBU City—The event is dubbed “Pinoy Pride 2,” but Colombian visitor Carlos Tamara vows to change that title to “Philippine Conquest 2” when he meets Filipino Milan Melindo tomorrow at the Waterfront Hotel. Tamara will be making his second appearance on Philippine soil and is confident that his return will be as fruitful as his first visit.
Tamara was the same fighter who scored a dramatic 12th round, come-from-behind technical knockout win over Hawaiian Brian Viloria in their world light flyweight title fight last January at the Cuneta Astrodome.
“We love fighting here and we look forward to returning for a third time and topbill another card under ALA Promotions with Melindo fighting in the undercard,” said Tamara’s trainer Edgar Sanchez in alluding to a sure win for his ward.
The undefeated 22-year-old Melindo (22-0, 7 knockouts), meanwhile, was more prudent with his remarks in yesterday’s press conference, but still exuded confidence about his chances.
“Don’t’ talk a lot. Just do it inside the ring,” said Melindo “My estimate, it will be over in five rounds.”
Though no title is at stake in this 10-round brawl, both Melindo and Tamara said they prepared for this bout as if they will be fighting it out for a world crown.
Tamara said he has sparred 50 rounds more than what he did when he trained for the Viloria fight, while Melindo has been aching to fight for a world crown and has in fact lived inside the ALA compound for four straight years without returning to his hometown in Cagayan de Oro City.
“I promised to myself I will return to my hometown only when I become a world champion,” said Melindo, who stands three inches shorter than his 5’5” foe.
The 27-year-old Tamara (21-5, 15 knockouts) lost the title he snatched from Viloria when he traveled to Argentina where he dropped a narrow split verdict to local boy Luis Alberto Lazarte.
Sanchez said Tamara, who struggled to make weight in their first defense, is now comfortable in the flyweight division and considers Melindo’s decision to face the Colombian a huge mistake for the Filipino youngster.
In the co-feature, unheralded but first-rate Filipino Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation champion Rocky Fuentes defends his crown against Inthanon Sitchamuang of Thailand in a 12-round bout.
Former world champion Florante Condes returns to action against Japanese Kenichi Horikawa in a 10-round encounter, while ex-world title challenger Randy Suico moves up in the welterweight class opposite Philippine 147-lb ruler Arnel Tinampay.
Spicing up the event is the second pro bout of super bantamweight Dodie Boy Penalosa, Jr., who will go up against Jomar Torreon in a 4-round setto.
Dennis Principe, Manila Standard Today
