MARK Jason Melligen is one of the fastest-rising Filipino prospects in the US and now wants to be among the elite fighters in his division.
Melligen, a former amateur standout, has been making waves in the US boxing scene since his debut last year in Colorado and has signed with Bob Arum?s promotional outfit, Top Rank.
The 24-year-old native of Bacolod City was impressive in his last fight, beating former world title contender Agnes Adjaho, who has fought the likes of Antonio De Marco, Fernando Angulo and Miguel Acosta.
With what he has accomplished in the US and Mexico in less than two years, Melligen believes he is ready for a world title shot in the deep welterweight division, which includes some of the marquee names in boxing like Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr.
?I?m ready for everything. I?m just waiting for their (promoters) decision,? Melligen told Sun.Star Cebu in an interview.
Melligen (19-2, 13 KOs) had eight fights since he started his campaign outside the country last year, winning seven.
Four of his wins were by knockout.
Melligen has been training under Tony Martin at Mayweather?s gym for his fights in the US.
Melligen said he has learned a lot at Mayweather?s gym and from sparring with some of the elite names in boxing like Mayweather Jr., IBF and WBC light welterweight king Devon Alexander and interim World Boxing Association light welterweight champion Marcos Maidana.
?Sparring against them has boosted my confidence inside the ring.?
