LUJAN SENDS MELLIGEN TO THE CANVAS 4 TIMES EN ROUTE TO A 9TH ROUND STOPPAGE

Two-time world title challenger Sebastian Lujan of Argentina who took the fight against Filipino prospect Mark Jason Melligen in just 8 days, knocked Melligen down 4 times before putting Melligen to the canvas for good in the 9th round at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas Friday night and put a damper on Melligen's rising career.

Melligen started strong in the first half of the fight outpointing the rushing Argentinian with well-timed head and body shots but the veteran Lujan's constant pressure took its toll on the Bacolod city native when Lujan caught Melligen with a powerful right to the head in the 6th round sending Melligen to the canvas for the first time.

Lujan, who got more confident as rounds went deeper, continued the onslaught towards Melligen who at this time appeared to have considerably slowed down. Lujan again sent Melligen down to the canvas in the seventh and eight rounds before finally stopping the Las Vegas-trained Melligen at 45 seconds in the 9th round.

Lujan, who previously failed in his bid to win a world title against Serhiy Dzinziruk and Antonio Margarito, has now racked up 12 straight victories and appeared ready for another world title challenge.

Melligen meanwhile goes back to the drawing board after absorbing his career's second loss, both by knockouts.

Melligen (L) and Lujan in a second round action during Friday night's fight at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas.