Gina’s Filipino Boxing Report: A Look at Mark Jason Melligen
As you boxing fans may have noticed, our website has gone through a major transformation. So, I’ve decided to take a look back and re-introduce my Filipino Boxing Report on up and coming Filipino fighters.
As I’ve discovered, there is more Pinoy boxing power out there and the number of Pinoy boxing talent is quickly increasing. Today, I’m happy to introduce another fighter – Mark Jason “MJM Grand” Melligen, 17-2, 13, KO’s. MJM Grand is currently listed as a Cebu City resident and fighter, but as my island roots go far – I’ll acknowledge that he’s originally from my mother’s island too – Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.
A southpaw, Melligen made his debut back in 2006 and he started out with a 1st round TKO against William George in a scheduled 4 round bout. Now, four years later, he has fought rather steadily. After his debut in 2006 and through 2008 he has primarily fought in the Philippines. In 2006, he went undefeated in 6 bouts, ending fights within the opening rounds. In October 2006, his first challenge came against Cris Alag. He defeated Alag over 8 rounds in a unanimous decision.
As he came into 2007, in a bout for the Interim WBO Asia Pacific light welterweight bout, Melligen suffered his first loss when Yong-Sung Kim knocked him out in the 7th round of a 12 round bout. It was also Melligen’s first taste of facing a fighter outside the Philippines and in front of a hometown crowd in Seoul, South Korea. Knocked out but not counted out, Melligen quickly rebounded from this loss when he fought 3 more times and won all 3 bouts. He again ended his fight year with a competitive bout. In a fight against Dondon Lapus, Melligen fought a 10 round bout that went the distance.
Melligen earned the judges’ scorecards and defeated Lapus with a unanimous decision.
As he entered into 2008, his fight schedule tapered off and with good results. He proceeded to fight three times in 2008. And, he went on to win all three. In February 2008, he fought Tia Koswara to a 10 round unanimous decision. After Koswara, he quickly TKO’d Payakchai Sithparadorm in the first round in a scheduled 6 round bout. Melligen ended 2008 with a quick 1st round KO against Alag again.
On paper, I look at Melligen’s 2009 fight year as a transition into fighting in the United States. It can always be a difficult transition for a pro fighter to make his way into the American professional boxing scene, but Melligen’s performances reveal a steady improvement. More importantly, Melligen’s fighting under the Las Vegas lights and demonstrated poise and ability to handle the scrutiny and pressure of a Vegas bout.
There are also the comparisons to Manny Pacquiao.
Yes, it took me quite a few paragraphs to NOT mention Pacquiao, but Melligen does face this comparison and he should get used to it. Pacquiao is a driving force in the international boxing world and he’s such a shining, living example of pride for the Philippines. Any fighter and really, ANY Filipino fighter is going to be considered the next Pacquiao. It’s not so much the up and coming fighters are overshadowed – I’d argue that the up and coming Filipino fighters face a high level of expectation of excellence and success. Melligen’s rise through the welterweight ranks will be slow and steady and hopefully his management will pick the right fights for him.
So, back to Melligen’s 2009 year. In March 2009, he faced Gerardo Cesar Prieto, 6-8 and defeated him in the 5th round with a TKO. Two months later in May 2009, he went up against Ramon Montano, 17-7, 2 KO’s and emerged with an 8 round unanimous decision. He fought again in June and defeated Fabian “El Lobo” Luque, 21-9, 12 KO’s with a 2nd round TKO in a scheduled 8 round bout. In August 2009, he defeated Ernesto “Baby Face” Zepeda, 39-13, 14 KO’s with a 4th round TKO in a scheduled 10 round bout. Finally, in November 2009, Melligen didn’t exactly end his year with a quick win.
He fought against Michel Rosales, 24-3 and lost in a 10 round split decision. As an observer, I’d say that Melligen was in the gym as he quickly took bouts with not much time in between to rest and re-group. Like I say, boxers need time to recuperate both physically and mentally. Although 2009 ended with a tough split decision loss, it may have just been too much ring time for Melligen.
Finally, this past Saturday in Pinoy Power III, Melligen began his 2010 fight year with an impressive 6th round TKO against Texas native Raymond “Ray Lino” Gatica, 11-1, 6 KO’s in a scheduled 8 round bout.
At 23 years old, Melligen is already on the path of a great fight career. As Pacquiao successfully ascended into success through 5 different weight divisions, Melligen is a true welterweight talent. He shows great power punches to the body with a solid jab hook combination to both body and head. His left cross has tremendous power potential and is delivered with great timing and efficiency in combination.
Currently ranked #74 among welterweights, Melligen may consider losing some weight to fight at light welterweight. In the light welterweight division, Melligen can pose a challenge to fighters such as Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley, Ricky “Hitman” Hatton, and Nate “Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell. Put heavily touted Amir Khan and Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi into this mix of potential match-ups.
As 2010 unfolds for all boxing fans I’m sure we’ll see Melligen produce and cultivate his talent. I suppose that’s really my point. It is the year for Filipino boxers. Mark Jason “MJM Grand” Melligen has a promising fight career now and in the future.