Milan Melindo retained the International Boxing Federation (IBF) light-flyweight crown late Saturday night at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City.
Making the initial defense of the IBF 108-lb title, Melindo was awarded a 12-round split decision over tough challenger Hekkie Budler of South Africa.
Melindo had won the crown by knocking out the iron-chinned Akira Yaegashi of Japan via a first-round knockout last May.
In the main supporting bout, Jonas Sultan stunned ex-world champ Johnreil Casimero on a unanimous decision of their IBF super-fly title eliminator.
Melindo and Sultan belong to the ALA Boxing Club owned and operated by the father-and-son tandem of Tony and Michael Aldeguer. (Nick Giongco)
