By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Promising Filipino welterweight Mark Jason Melligen (17-2, 13 KO’s) needs to win impressively if he is to move up in the priority list of Top Rank promoter Bob Arum who gave him a second chance after he virtually flopped against Michel Rosales to whom he lost a split decision.
However, Melligen was given one last chance and grabbed it by scoring an impressive 6th round TKO over previously unbeaten Ramon Gatica.
When the hard-hitting southpaw steps into the spotlight on the main event of a Top Rank card at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday (Sunday morning in Manila) he goes up a notch when he faces tough Norberto Gonzalez of Mexico who has an impressive record of 18-1 with 12 knockouts.
Melligen told a press conference after the weigh-in “I came prepared and will give you a good show” while his Mexican opponent Gonzalez who will be fighting in Las Vegas for the first time said “I’m not gonna let the crowd down and I’m not gonna let Mexico down.”
At the weigh in Melligen came in one pound under the welterweight limit at 146 while Gonzalez tipped the scales at exactly 147.
Melligen, looking ahead, says he wants to fight former world title challenger Alfonso Gomez but he knows deep down in his heart that he has to beat Gonzalez who is no pushover, first.
