Miguel Cotto Promotions’ latest acquisition, power puncher Jorge “Destroyer” Meléndez ( 24-2-1, 23 KO’s ) of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico will be facing off against James Winchester ( 15-6, 5 KO’s ) of North Carolina this Saturday, December 1st at the Madison Square Garden in New York, where the headliner, Miguel Cotto will face WBA light middleweight world champion, Austin Trout.
Meléndez vs Winchester bout is set for 8 rounds at the light middleweight division ( 154lbs ).
Winchester ( 15-6, 5 KO’s ), is a rival who has never been knocked out, and has faced in exciting matches, fighters such as Glen Tapia ( 16-0, 9 KO’s ), Joey Hernández ( 23-1-1, 13 KO’ s ), among others.
Meléndez is ranked # 7 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), and is the current interim WBO Latino light middleweight champion.( 154lbs )
“I feel great because the training has worked well and we are progressing on each fight” Melendez said “I wan to thanks my trainer Dennis Pantoja and my strength and conditioning trainer, Felix González for letting me be a part of their team, and on Saturday, my opponent (James Winchester) will have his first knockout loss of his career.”
Meléndez trainer Dennis Pantoja commented: “We have done about 50 rounds of sparring. We have focused a lot in the art of boxing because Meléndez already has great power, and once we get the victory this Saturday, we still need to stay focused for the next level opponents”.
Since capturing the Interim WBO Latino title in October 2011, Meléndez has looked impressive, with outstanding wins coming by way of knockout against power puncher, Milton Nuñez ( 24-6, 22 KO’s ), experienced Germaine Sanders ( 27-11, 17 KO’s ) and localist Marcus Willis ( 12-2, 3 KO’s ).
Also the young 23-year-old slugger is active in the community by being part of the group called ‘Ponte pa’ lo Positivo’, which helps prevent bullying.
