Former International Boxing Federation (IBF) minimum weight champion Muhammad Rachman said he will use undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) No. 1 ranked Milan Melindo as a stepping stone to a world title fight against WBC straw-weight champion Oleydong Sithsamerchai (29-0, 12 KO's) of Thailand .

Rachman made the statement at a news conference in Cebu following his arrival from Jakarta. He was accompanied by his manager Dos Santos and trainer Alex Rabaleta.

Rachman, who lost his title by a split decision to hard-hitting Filipino southpaw Florante Condes, disclosed that he had trained for two months for the battle against Melindo, which will take place at the plush Waterfront Hotel on Saturday.

The fights will be telecast by the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN at 9 p.m. over Studio 23, with a replay on Sunday at 10 a.m. on Channel 2.

Rachman said he will bank on his experience of 73 fights with 62 wins, 6 defeats and 5 draws with 31 knockouts against the comparatively inexperienced Melindo who has a record of just 17 fights with no defeats and 5 knockouts.

Rachman is a fighter and battled Condes all the way in their title fight on July 7, 2007 in Jakarta before dropping a close decision to Condes.

Prior to that, Rachman beat eight other Filipino fighters including world title challenger Bert Batawang, Benjie Sorollo, whom he stopped in seven rounds, and Noel Tuñacao. He also had wins against Jun Carlos, Ernesto Rubillar, Liti Dangod and Roger Mananquil.

The 37-year-old Indonesian commended Melindo for being “a good boxer” but claimed that the Filipino is still “inexperienced.”

Melindo is considered one of the most skillful fighters in the ALA Gym although somewhat lacking in punching power. He, however, makes up for it with his rapid-fire combinations and his ability to double-up his patented left hook.