MELLIGEN WON BY 5TH ROUND TKO

Mark Jason Melligen, a top boxing prospect from ALA Promotions in Cebu, Philippines showed Top Rank Promotions why he deserved this fight today in Colorado. The fight he has been waiting for four months. When there was a cloud of uncertainty hanging over his head until the last minute whether the fight would push through or not.

Thanks to his Las Vegas based trainer, Tony Martin, who persevered until Top Rank Promotions matchmaker finally gave in. He returned their trust with an impressive display of boxing skills from the first round until the end. He knocked out Mexican Gerardo Cesar Prieto in the third round and he could have finished him off if not for the bell intervention what could have been a more rosy and remarkable result for his boxing debut in America.

Melligen did not let up in the next rounds and continue where he left off. He kept on punishing his opponent until Prieto could not anymore answer the bell that starts the 6th round. "No Mas."

In a telephone interview with Melligen, he said, "I could see his punches. He was big but he was slow. Throughout the fight, I punished him with my combinations and most of them were power punches. He could also hit me but they were not that strong as compared to what he received from me. I am so happy and I do thank my manager, Mr. Aldeguer and my trainer, Tony Martin and his son, Edward, who accompanied and support me here.

"In all honesty, I am not completely satisfied with the performance of Melligen. I know he could do better. At 147 pounds, he was a little slow and did not throw the combination I wanted him to inflict to his opponent. Melligen knows he needs to bring down his fighting weight in his next fight in order to maximize his potential," Tony Martin said over the phone.

This fight will prove to be the stepping stone of Mark Jason Melligen. News of his impressive training at Mayweather gym reached the upper echelon of boxing honchos. More so, with this stunning debut at Colorado where for sure those who witnessed him fight will remember him and follow his career. If he maintains strong discipline, listen to the advice of his team and continue his love of boxing, there is no way but up for him."

Top photo: Melligen (R) and Prieto during Friday's weighin in Colorado.