FILIPINO Milan Melindo failed in his bid to wrest the International Boxing Federation (IBF) light flyweight title after losing a sixth round technical decision against reigning champion Javier Mendoza Sunday (Manila time) in Baja California, Mexico.
The 12-round bout went to the scorecards after the 24-year-old champion was deemed not fit to continue fighting after suffering a cut from an alleged accidental headbutt.
Mendoza led in all of the judges’ cards when the fight came to a stop, 59-53, 60-52, 60-52.
It was another heartbreaker for the 27-year-old Melindo, who also lost in his first attempt at a world championship in 2013 by dropping a unanimous decision against Juan Francisco Estrada for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight title.
The Filipino fell to 32-2, with 12 KOs.
Mendoza successfully retained his belt in his first defense of the title he won over Ramon Garcia Hirales. He improved his record to 24-2-1, with 19 KOs.
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