MARK JASON MELLIGEN, TO MAKE WAVES ON MAY 1ST IN LAS VEGAS
By Rod Mijares
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 24 Apr 2009
Lurking in the shadow of 'The Battle of East & West' between Filipino Manny Pacquaio and Englishman Ricky Hatton at MGM Grand Arena on May 2, 2009 is the Top Rank Promotion?s Boxing Event at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on May 1, 2009, a day ahead of the mega fight.
What is more interesting on this fight is the Las Vegas debut of what could be Top Rank?s best kept secret who will show his boxing talent and skills wide open for the Americans to witness. He made his first fight debut on American soil in Commerce City, Colorado on March 7, 2009 and he was so successful that his opponent, Mexican Gerardo Cesar Prieto, quit. Prieto did not answer the bell signaling the start of the 6th round. His face showed an unbearable pain he suffered during the last five rounds on his body and head and could no longer endure more heavy and strong punches from his opponent.
What a great start for this boxer, one of Top Rank Promotion?s top prospect. Mark Jason Melligen (13(10KO), 1,0) from the famous ALA Promotions in Cebu might be Bob Arum?s next golden boy that will follow the footsteps of Manny Pacquiao, Top Rank?s greatest and most popular people?s boxer ever promoted to-date. Melligen is not so far away from this reality, from the next big thing. Melligen was the 2003 and 2005 silver medalists in the Southeast Asian Games held in Vietnam and in the Philippines, successively, before turning professional in 2006. This youthful prospect is only 23 years old and Melligen has the boxing skills and the determination to win it all. He has the power punches and most of all, has a great and outstanding defense. ?I could see very well the punches that are being thrown by my sparring partners and my opponents every fight night,? he confided in me every time I see him. That is good defense.
Tony Martin, ALA Promotions Las Vegas based trainer well-prepared Melligen for his first successful fight in Colorado for four months. Weighing the gravity and the importance of this forthcoming fight on May 1st at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino for Melligen?s future, ALA Promotions also sent Edito Villamor, their Philippine based trainer, to assist Tony Martin ensures a win for Melligen.
Edito said, ?he is in top shape and in great condition. We trained for one month in the Philippines and we are training for about a month here in Las Vegas. At 146 pounds now, he is slowly getting into the fighting weight of 141 pounds. He is a sure thing to win as long as he displays the moves and performs the way he is training come fight night.
?Mark preparation is going according to plan. Both myself and Edito are more than satisfied with his progress. His sparring partners are from various gyms in Las Vegas. Come fight night we are more than confident that he will give a good account of himself and will make Top Rank proud of his performance. As far as we are concerned, he is in the best condition of his career and there should be no excuse other than to win,? Tony Martin added.
Melligen?s opponent is Las Vegas based Mexican Ramon Montano (17(2KO), 6, 2). The 26-year old Montano gave former WBC lightweight champion David Diaz a tough fight before losing on March 15, 2008 at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. His experience and orthodox style will give Melligen something to think about and this challenge will be good for the viewing boxing fans.
The main event will feature lightweight Antillon Urbano from Maywood, California against Tyrone ?Fists of Fury? Harris from Lansing, Michigan. Antillon who previously defeated Bobby Pacquiao, (Manny Pacquiao?s brother) on March 13, 2008 also at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino has 25 wins with 18 knockouts and no defeat while Harris has a 23-4,0 record with 15 knockouts. Also appearing will be welterweights Alfonso Gomez, a former reality TV contestant on ?The Contender? and Juan Manuel Buendia from Mexico..
It is also interesting to note that two more Filipino boxers will also fight in the same bout at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino with Melligen. Lightweight Dennis Laurente from Palompon, Leyte (30(16KO), 3, 5) will fight American Marvin Cordova, Jr. (20(11KO), 0, 1) from Las Vegas. Gerry Penalosa?s top prospect, Michael Farinas whose left hand is so formidable than his chinky eyes will also see action.
This is a great boxing event for Filipino fans in Las Vegas and should not miss this memorable journey for Filipino boxers. Base ticket prices are from $20.00, $35.00, $50.00 and $75.00. Tickets are also available at www.Ticketmaster.com. The first bell will start at 6pm.
Top photo (L-R): Las Vegas-based trainer Tony Martin, Melligen and trainer Edito Villamor in Las Vegas.
Rod Mijares also writes for www.fil-amboxers.com.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rod Mijares.
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