Mexico's Juan Estrada set to defend his WBA, WBO titles
Mexican is ready for tough fight against undefeated Filipino Milan Melindo
Mexico's Juan Estrada has vowed to hold onto his world crown "as long as he possibly can" as he prepares to defend his WBA and WBO titles in Saturday's Fists of Gold II bill.
The 23-year-old from Sonora state in Mexico (24-2-0, 18 KOs) stunned the boxing world by becoming the new world champion after defeating flyweight great Brian Viloria of the US (32-4-0, 32 KOs) in Fists of Gold I at the CotaiArena at the Venetian hotel-resort in April.
Estrada's unanimous decision against the 32-year-old American legend was huge news in his homeland and the shy Mexican will find out whether he has what it takes to retain both world title belts when he comes up against undefeated Filipino fighter Milan Melindo (29-0-0, 12 KOs) in a 12-round title bout.
"It's going to be a a tough fight, but I have prepared great for it. I feel good right now and I am ready," said Estrada at yesterday's welcoming ceremony.
"Beating Viloria was such a great victory … not only for me, but my team and my country."
"My ambition is to stay world champion as long as I possibly can," said the Mexican who was introduced to boxing by his elder brother Luis when he was nine.