CEBU CITY, Philippines -- It cost IBF world champion Milan Melindo additional sweat, but he managed to weigh-in at 108 lbs to defend for the first time his world title against his challenger, the reigning IBO world titlist Hekkie Budler of Johannesburg, South Africa, Saturday (Sep 16) @ the Waterfront Hotel & Casino here in Cebu City, Philippines.
A two-division world title champion, the 29-year-old challenger Hekkie Budler (31-2, 10 KO's) easily made 108 lbs in his first try, looking relaxed, smiling, hassle-free and ready for the 12-rounder battle, one of the many that he has waged since becoming All Africa Jr. flyweight champion in 2009.
Not quite the same could be said of the IBF champ Melindo who worried his team by coming-in 1.25 pounds above the division's weight limit.
However, about 90 minutes later, Melindo (36-2, 13 KO's) came back to strip naked and successfully made weight in his second try, his fans are hoping that the extra stress would not affect the ring performance of the headlining ALA star.
On paper, the fight should not be easy for either fighter, and that's why both camps have prepared consciously, according to the boxer's handlers.
"This has been the most thorough training-camp that we have ever had," commented today the experienced head trainer Colin Nathan, Hekkie Budler's trusted friend and coach. "We have prepared well for everything. We are ready to win."
Meanwhile, Michael Aldeguer, the promoter of Milan Melindo, 29, shared that "the important thing is that Milan trained hard, and made weight OK in his second try. Now, all is ready for a great fight."
TICKETS AVAILABLE
Tickets for Pinoy Pride 42: Clash For Glory are available at all ALA Gym Boxing Fitness branches, selected RD Pawnshops branches, Ayala Concierge Booth, First 5 Sports Lounge & Cafe, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino and ALA Promotions Office.
General Admission free-seating balcony ticket price costs 300 pesos.
Pinoy Pride 42 Melindo vs Budler in "Clash for Glory" is a production of ALA Sports Promotions International.
The author Carlos Costa of Panama is a boxing writer, reporter and photographer based in Cebu, Philippines. For all boxing things you can contact Carlos at email carlos512@hotmail.com, in Facebook or to his cp # 09184538152. "All For the love of Boxing."
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