Melligen prepares for big break

MARK Jason Melligen is going to fight one of the toughest fights of his boxing career as he faces Mexican Michel Rosales on Nov. 13, the eve of the Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto war, at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Melligen has been working exceptionally hard at the Roger Mayweather’s Gym for his fourth battle in the US, because he knows how vital this is to the future of his career.

“He’s working very hard. This is a big break for him. He knows how important this fight is. Top Rank has big plans for Melligen,” said ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer.

Melligen’s fight isn’t a walk in the park because Rosales is a formidable foe who can pack a punch. He holds a 24-3 win-loss record with 21 knockouts.

The 26-year-old Rosales’ three defeats came from top caliber welterweights—highly-ranked welterweight Saul Alvarez (29-0-1, 22 KOs), world-rated fighter Jesus Soto Karass and undefeated American boxer Mike Alvarado (26-0, 18 KOs).

“He’s doing very well. He has been sparring with Ramon Montano. He’s looking very sharp,” said Aldeguer.

The 23-year-old Melligen was originally slated to fight Rosales last Aug. 15, in Top Rank’s “Pinoy Power 2” boxing extravaganza. However, Rosales was replaced at the last minute by veteran journeyman Ernesto Zepeda because Rosales failed to acquire a visa.


Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 21, 2009