Koko congratulates new Pinoy world boxing champ Melindo

Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III on Monday applauded the newly-crowned world light-flyweight boxing champion and fellow Kagay-anon Milan "El Metodico" Melindo following the latter's impressive victory in Tokyo, Japan last Sunday.

The 29-year old Melindo, who hails from Cagayan de Oro City, demolished the reigning champion, Akira Yaegashi, on Sunday evening via a stunning first-round technical knockout (TKO) victory to bag the International Boxing Federation (IBF) 108-pound title in the Areake Coliseum in Tokyo.

"Melindo is the champion of Filipinos and Kagay-anons", said Pimentel.

"Milan showed determination and the "never surrender virtue" amidst trials and failures in the early part of his career. His never-say-die spirit should serve as an inspiration for our countrymen", the Senate President added.

Pimentel was referring to Melindo's previous world title bids in 2013 and 2015.

Melindo, through his victory, joined an exclusive club of Filipino world boxing champions from Mindanao, such as Senator Manny Pacquiao, Nonito Donaire Jr., and Rolando Navarrete.