LAS VEGAS, Nevada — The heat was on between Mexico’s Norberto “Demonio” Gonzales and Filipino boxer “Mighty” Mark Jason Melligen during the weigh-in at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino here.
Melligen weighed in at 146 pounds, while Gonzales weighed in at 147 pounds for the 10-round welterweight bout slated to take place on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).
Gonzales said he considers this fight as a “war” between Mexico and the Philippines mainly because Filipino pound-for-pound boxer Manny Pacquiao has defeated and knocked down most of Mexican boxers.
Gonzales is confident he will be able to avenge the losses of his fellow Mexican boxers.
“First of all, I got to beat him ?cause Philippines and Mexico is a war,” said Gonzales.
Melligen and trainer Tony Martin confidently accepted Gonzales’ challenge as they too are ready for a face-off at the main event.
“Ang lamang ko lang siguro may talento ako kasi nag iisip ako sa ring, thinking boxer ‘yun ang lamang ko sa kanya (My advantage is my talent because I’m a thinking boxer),” said Melligen.
“Okay, if they want a war, we’re gonna give them a war, we’re gonna give them a classic war using intelligence,” said Melligen?s trainer.
Meanwhile, kababayans in Las Vegas are in full support for Melligen. They said he may not be Pacquiao now but his talent and skills in boxing are bound to make him a star soon.
“Susuportahan namin si Melligen kasi Pinoy siya at saka magaling siya,” said a Pinoy fan.
“Round 6, I think Gonzales is gonna be knocked out,” another Pinoy said.
Melligen currently holds a record of 18 wins (13 knock outs) and 2 losses, while Gonzales has 18 wins (12 KOs) and 1 loss.
