BY Rod Mijares, June 20, 2009
The pride of ALA Boxing Gym of Cebu, Philippines and Top Rank Promotions best kept secret and top young prospect, Mark Jason Melligen, won by 2nd round technical knockout over his opponent Mexican Fabian Luque as relayed by Tony Martin, Melligen's hardworking trainer, from Ensinada, Mexico where the fight was held.
Melligen started hot from the very first round putting his opponent on the canvas. Luque was able to beat the 8th count but was so wobbly to fight back or defend himself. As such, he was thankful that the bell saved him and gave him a respite from further punishment. However, Melligen continued where he left off in the second round and again knocked down Luque. He did beat the count but Melligen continued his barrage until the referee could not take it anymore and has to stop the onslaught to avoid further damage to Luque.
Over 2000 Mexican fans in a standing room and jampacked arena witnessed one of their own going down twice at the hands of Melligen. After the fight when the boxers where hanging out with the fans, the Mexicans were congratulating Melligen for a very spectacular win akin to Manny Pacquiao's style. Mark Jason Melligen, no doubt, has added Mexican fans to his side.
Edito Villamor, Melligen's long time trainer from the Philippines was also in his corner to assure the win. With this very convincing win, Melligen made another historic rise one step closer to his dream of a championship fight in the very near future.
With Manny Pacquiao in almost certainty leaving the boxing world and entering Philippine politics by 2010 with the belief that he will be of more help to his countrymen as a congressman rather than a great boxer, Melligen will surely be one of the Filipino promising boxers who will be filling Manny's big shoes in promoting boxing interest and thus, continue bringing excitement to boxing fans worldwide.
Melligen is scheduled to fight to yet unnamed opponent on August 15, 2009 at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino as an undercard of the Interim WBA world super flyweight title fight between Filipino IBF/IBO flyweight champion Nonito Donaire and Mexican Hugo Fidel Cazares. He has now a record of 15 wins (11 KO) and 1 lost (1KO).
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