Mark Melligen?s ten round decision over Anges Adjaho last night at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada wasn?t the stuff of legends but more so a solid and beneficial win. Now riding a three-fight winning streak, Melligen is again in Top Rank?s good graces and is setting himself up for a strong finish to 2010.
Against Adajho, Melligen was able to edge many of the competitive rounds due to his superior work rate. While Adjaho was successful upon opening up, it was Melligen who was more assertive and his punches were stout enough for the Benin, West African born Adjaho to take notice and often cover up.
At 24 years of age Melligen is obviously still a work in progress but certainly brings something to the table. When looking at the Bacolod City fighter?s near future some ideal candidates at 147 pounds stand out.
David Estrada
When looking for a fighter in the Welterweight class who has gone through a career rejuvenation all one has to do is look at battle tested David Estrada. After suffering some crushing losses to the likes of Andre Berto, Kermit Cintron, and Jesus Soto Karass in a two year span the Chicago native?s career was thought to be in shambles but his most recent victory over previously undefeated Orlando Lara this past April showed how much he has left.
Estrada has always laid everything on the line and his fan friendly style makes for good fights against nearly anyone. Estrada has served himself well by relocating from Miami, Florida back to his Chicago roots and seems to be flourishing under the guidance of new trainer ?Fearless? Fernando Fernandez. He would surely test Melligen with his aggressive, non-stop attack and the bout would figure to be wildly exciting from start to finish.
Alfonso Gomez
Well known from his exposure for appearing on the first season of NBC’s The Contender, Gomez is a solid, scrappy fighter who seems to be a late bloomer in his career. Gomez? limitations were on display in a disappointing April 2008 stoppage loss to Miguel Cotto but he has bounced back with four straight wins and is coming off of victories of Jesus Soto Karass and Jose Luis Castillo.
Gomez isn?t a big puncher and feeling here says Melligen would be urged on by that fact towards making the contest a back and forth war. Melligen has shown that he has the ability to break his opponents down but Gomez is well schooled and gritty, leaving doubts as to whether a stoppage would be possible. The fight seems to be close on paper but Gomez has definitely been in with the stronger competition throughout his career.
Rashad Holloway
Holloway?s 2009 draw with Francisco ?Gato? Figueroa didn?t seem to be a true reflection of his true skills but instead of looking back on that contest the Cincinnati, Ohio native has regrouped and is focusing on his future. Holloway recently returned to Los Angeles, California after spending some time out in Las Vegas and is now being trained full time by Freddie Roach.
If there is something that stands out about Holloway it would be his inactivity, as he fought only 14 times since turning professional over five years ago, compiling an 11-1-2 record. In a recent interview with 8 Count News correspondent Kenneth Ragpala, Holloway revealed that he was once contacted about fighting Melligen but that there was nothing on the line and the fight was only scheduled for six rounds. Situations have changed dramatically for both men since that initial discussion and it seems like a Holloway-Melligen contest makes more sense now.
Jesus Soto Karass
Los Angeles based Karass has seemed to be lost in the shuffle following his November 2009 loss to Gomez. Before the contest there was some buzz surrounding Karass due to his victories over the likes of Estrada, Chris ?The Mechanic? Smith, and Carson Jones but his career has seemed to stall as of late and he is in need of a big win. A fight with Melligen may be just the ticket.
Karass’ highlight performance was likely the Estrada win, where he showed composure and mean intentions while being able to weather the fierce attack coming his way. A beautiful left hook dropped Estrada in the eighth and the bout was stopped moments later. Time has passed since that win and it remains to be seen if Karass can get himself back in the big picture. Speaking from Floyd Mayweather?s personal gym last month, Melligen?s trainer Tony Martin revealed that very well may be the next fight that comes his fighter?s way.
Sebastian Lujan
Sebastian Lujan is definitely a dark horse at 147 pounds but his charismatic personality and awkward style make him worth remembering. Sporting a somewhat checkered 33-5-2 record and known best for losing to the likes of Jamie Moore, Sergiy Dzinziruk, and Antonio Margarito, the Argentinean has actually reeled off seven straight wins dating back to August of 2007.
Lujan was impressive in his July 2008 decision over former champion Jose Luis Castillo in which he mocked and even toyed with the former Lightweight champion at times. Despite standing only at 5?6?, Lujan is a gritty customer and would likely make a clash with Melligen very interesting.
