Pinoy Pride 34 Fight Replay Back With a Vengeance

‘King’ Arthur Villanueva and Milan Melindo were the highlights of Pinoy Pride 34 after they won by split decisions over their counterpart Mexican rivals. The two co-headlined Pinoy Pride 34 at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu, Philippines. Both fighters were hoping to use the bouts as stepping stones after suffering defeats earlier in the year.

Arthur Villanueva of Philippines Holds the Title of WBC International Super Flyweight after Defeating Victor Mendez of Mexico
Philippines’ Arthur Villanueva won by split decision over his rival Victor Mendez of Mexico to hold the title of WBC International Super Flyweight in Pinoy Pride 34 dubbed aDBack with a Vengeance’.
During the 12 round main event, both fighters had their moments with right-handed Villanueva mostly scoring over Mendez right and left-hand counters. Villanueva had his advantage in round four when he caught Mendez coming in with a right counter flash. Although Mendez did not show signs of being hurt, he went on with the fight attacking with right-hand counters that scarred up Villanueva’s face.
Two judges scored the fight at 117-111 and 116-112 for Villanueva and 115-113 for 22-year-old Mexican slugger Mendez. With the win, Villanueva improved to 28-1-0 while Mendez, on the other hand, dropped to
12-3-2.

Milan Melindo Defeats Victor Emanuel Olivo in a Split Decision Fight at Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City
Milan Melindo, 27 got into a real 10 round fight with Mexican Victor Emanuel Olivo, 19 who had only nine fights under his belt before the Saturday night’s event. Melindo had prepared for two months for the fight originally slated against Carlos Fontes of Mexico but was replaced last minute by Victor Emanuel Olivo.

Olivo proved a menace in rounds 2 and 3, pounding Melindo with right-hand counters whenever they came close without Melindo placing a jab on him. During round four, Melindo gained his advantage landing flash counters on his rival Olivo, who continued to remain a threat throughout the fight.
Melindo certainly landed his best punch in round 8 catching Olivo unawares and sending him stumbling back, but he quickly regained balance. After the fight, it was evident that the encounter was a fierce one from Melindo’s swollen face and eyes.
Two judges scored the fight at 96-94 for Melindo while one judge scored at 96-94 for Olivo. All three judges scored the 8th and 9th round for Melindo while the 10th round was scored for Olivo.

AJ Banal and Rocky Fuentes scored early victories against knockouts on their opponents Emilio Norfat and Afrizal Tamboresi respectively.
AJ Banal (34-2-1, 23 Kos) fought Tanzania’s Emilio Norfat (25-7, 19 Kos) through the 3 round main event with one eye shut after an accidental butt which rendered Banal a one-eyed fighter in round 1. Banal made it through round 1, and his fighting zeal paid off when he flashed a right-hand hook to Norfat’s ear sending his rival to the ground. Norfat struggled to his feet but refused to take another counter from Banal thus prompting an early stoppage.
Rocky Fuentes (36-8-2, 21 Kos) won against Indonesian Afrizal Tamboresi (11-4, 6 Kos) in a 2 round event.
He took the upper advantage when he sent an overhand right followed by a left uppercut.

Prospect KJ Cataraja (2-0, 2Kos), Won against Indonesian Elliad Nggenggo (10-9-3 KOs)
In the 4 round fight, 20-year-old Kevin Cataraja had a long lasting victory over his rival 26-year-old Nggenggo, who was unable to take an upper hand throughout the fight. Nggenggo was badly beaten in the fight before he had a severe eye injury that led to the end of the fight and marked the victory of Cataraja.