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Everyone deserves a second chance, even in the hard knock nature of a sport like boxing. Such an opportunity is headed Mark Melligen?s way this coming July 3rd as the Bacolod City native will have his chance at redemption when he faces off with Michel Rosales in Reno, Nevada.
Melligen dropped a split decision to Rosales on November 13th at the House of Blue in Mandalay Bay last November but it should be noted that Melligen wasn?t in the right frame of mine after seeing his good friend Z Gorres collapse following his victory over Luis Melendez. Gorres was rushed to the hospital where he had surgery to remove swelling from the brain and his career has now taken a backseat.
Last week Melligen could be found training tirelessly inside of Floyd Mayweather?s personal gym in Las Vegas in preparation for the bout. Working with trainer Tony Martin, the 24-year old appears to in the zone and members from his camp are relishing the opportunity for his to right his wrong against Rosales. Looking back on that contest Melligen makes no excuses but still feels he will be a different man inside of the squared circle the second time around.
?Now is good,? Melligen stated. ?I am in good shape with good training and I have good condition. On that night I was lost. I was affected by my friend and he was very special. I make no mistake because on that night I lost.?
Melligen noted that he initially did some light training in the Philippines before relocating to Nevada on June 3rd. When asked about living in his native land Melligen shows his obvious affection.
?Philippines is free,? he said. ?You can do anything in the Philippines. That?s why I like to stay in the Philippines. Even Americans like life in the Philippines. I do like America and I like to train here because I have more sparring partners. Before I was only dreaming that I could do it in America but now I am here.?
Melligen got into the sport at the age of six after following his father?s footsteps and has shown great strides in his past couple of fights. His last win was a shutout over hard-nosed Norberto Gonzalez at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in which Melligen controlled every round with his aggression and accuracy on his punches. In closing Melligen opens up on that performance while eyeing his future.
?I did really good because I was able to execute. He hit hard also and he was very good also. That was very good fight for me. My promoter [would] like for me to fight Alfonso Gomez.?
