By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

Milan ‘El Metodico’ Melindo of Cagayan de Oro City defeated South African fighter Hekkie ‘Hexecutioner’ Budler via split decision and held on to his International Boxing Federation (IBF) world super flyweight title during Pinoy Pride 42: Clash for Glory at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino over the weekend.
Judges Glenn Trowbridge and Takeo Harada scored Melindo 115-112 and 117-110, respectively; while Carl Zappia ruled 115-113 in favor of Budler.
Meanwhile, ‘King’ Arthur Villanueva of Bago City beat Richie Mepranum of Sarangani after the latter refused to continue the fight after the third round.
Among the other undercard fights, Jason ‘El Niño’ Pagara defeated James Onyango; Kevin Jake Cataraja defeated Wiljan Ugbaniel; Virgel Vitor defeated Alvin Bais; Kenneth Paul Gentallan defeated Jeffrey Stella; and Jeno Macapobre defeated Mel Anthony Ando./WDJ