ALA Promotion?s up-and-coming warrior Mark Jason Melligen had a fiery US debut when he punished US-based Mexican fighter Gerardo Cesar Prieto into submission yesterday in the Mile High Stadium of Denver, Colorado.
The match ended at the end of the fifth round of their eight-round war because Prieto couldn?t endure anymore Melligen?s beating.
The 22-year-old Cebuano fighter also knocked down Prieto in the third round.
After a convincing victory, ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer is optimistic that Melligen will be included in the fight card for young boxing prospects put up by Top Rank Promotions on the eve of the Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton clash in Las Vegas.
?It was a good win for him on his debut and we hope he gets to fight again on May 1,? Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu.
Big boost
Aldeguer believes that training in the Roger Mayweather?s Gym with Tony Martin was a big boost to the young boxer?s self-confidence.
?Yes, training at Mayweather?s Gym helped his confidence since he was able to get quality sparring,? said the young Cebuano promoter.
Melligen clinched his 14th victory with just a single career loss and 10 stoppages while the 30-year-old Prieto slumped to six wins, six losses and a draw.
Strong year
Following a year full of setbacks, the ALA fighters started out strong this year with a string of successes, namely, the successful US debut of Melligen, the triumphant comeback fights of AJ Banal and Czar Amonsot and the title defense of World Boxing Organization mini-flyweight champion Donnie ?Ahas? Nietes a week ago. However, Aldeguer feels that it is a bit too early to pronounce 2009 as a good year for them.
?It?s hard to say if it will be a good year for the ALA boys because it?s still too early to tell. There will be more fights coming up but with God?s guidance and the support of the people, hopefully everything will turn out fine,? said Aldeguer.
