The Philippines has four world reigning champions which include WBO super bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire, IBF flyweight champion Johnriel Casimero, WBO bantamweight champion Marlon Tapales and IBF super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas.
If Melindo wins on Nov. 26, he will be the 5th reigning world champion from the Philippines. While the interim title is temporary until the holder becomes the undisputed champion after a successful defense, it is nevertheless a major world tile.
On Nov. 5, Filipino fighting senator Manny Pacquiao will try to regains his old WBO welterweight title against Jessie Vargas at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. If he wins the fight, he will become the sixth reigning Filipino world champion.
Melindo (33-2-0) is coming off two straight wins following his loss to Javier Mendoza in 2015. His other defeat was against Juan Francisco Estrada in July 2013 at the Cotai Arena in Macau, China.
Melindo’s Thai opponent is young at 23 but he is a veteran of 36 fights, losing only four with one draw since turning pro in 2010.
Uthaida (31-4-1) is coming off four straight wins since losing to Katsunari Takayama in his first title fight last year at the Perfectural Gymnasium in Osaka, Japan.
