MARK Jason Melligen knows the importance of his upcoming fight on Feb. 19 against Mexican Gabriel Martinez. This fight would be career defining for a young prospect like him because bigger fights are in store for Melligen if he wins his next stint at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
?He?s so focused. I heard from Tony (Martin) that he is in his best condition and looked impressive in his sparring. I?ve never seen him this focused,? said ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer in an interview by Sun.Star Cebu.
Melligen, 24, is fighting in the undercard of one of the biggest boxing events this year, which is headlined by the world title clash between Fernando Montiel and Nonito Donaire Jr.
Aldeguer believes that this is Melligen?s chance to showcase his wares and be known in the international scene, so he has to deliver a striking performance against Martinez.
?This is his chance, this is going to be like a title fight for him,? said Aldeguer.
Because of the importance of Melligen?s fight, Aldeguer will be leaving for the US to watch the fight and to talk with Top Rank, Melligen?s US promoter, of his future.
?I will be there,? said Aldeguer. ?If Mark wins impressively, then he will be facing a big-named opponent.?
No easy foe
However, the 23-year-old Martinez is no push-over.
Aldeguer said this will be a tough fight because he is also a hot prospect like Melligen. Martinez, once unbeaten until he faced 20-year-old phenom Saul Alvarez, who gave him his only career blemish in 2008.
If Melligen impresses his US handlers, then he will likely be pitted against former world title challenger Alfonso Gomez.
