Melindo will be challenging undefeated Japanese champion Ken Shiro on Sunday for the World Boxing Council (WBC) light flyweight title at the Arena in Yokohama, Japan on October 7, 2018.

Melindo, 30, lost the IBF belt on New Year’s Eve against another Japanese Ryoichi Taguchi via unanimous decision in Tokyo, Japan. Melindo (37-3 win-loss record with 13 knockouts) is jumping into the fray with no tune up fights because he is very hungry for the title.

“I spent less time in sparring and more on conditioning. I trust my abilities plus of course we did good scouting on my opponent,” Melindo told The Manila Times in Filipino via overseas call.

Prior to losing his title to Taguchi, Melindo scored a first round technical knockout win over Yaegashi Akira of Japan to win the IBF Light Flyweight title and defended it via split decision victory over South African Hekkie Budler.

Melindo said that he spent a lot of time contemplating deeply on his career lately.

“I’ve read all the articles written about me and pondered on the positive and negative things said in them that I can use to be more successful.”

Melindo said that on top of the main components of his diet while training in Cebu, namely water and durian, he is now increasing his protein intake by eating more tuna.

Melindo’s trainer Edito Villamor cautioned that the upcoming bout is crucial to his ward’s career. “It could make or break for him,” he said.

The 26-year-old Shiro is entering the bout with a 13-0 record with seven knockouts.

He successfully defended the WBC belt thrice since winning it from Mexican Ganigan Lopez via majority draw in 2017.