Sunday, October 15, 2006 Melligen, Melindo out to steal show
FORMER Olympic team member and two-time Southeast Asian Games silver medalist Mark Jason Melligen is out to steal the thunder from the bigger names in local boxing when he trades mitts with Ariel Salvaña of Cagayan de Oro City on Oct. 21 at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.
Fighting in just his fifth bout, Melligen will head the main supporting event in the “War in the Ring” promotions
Melligen, who fights in the 143-pound junior welterweight division, has won his four fights by knockouts—three in the first round.
His recent fight was an impressive showing of boxing skills against the visiting Indon Michael Tarsius. He pummeled the tough Indonesian to submission in the third round.
Another decorated amateur-turned pro, Milan Melindo, will also try to keep his record clean when he takes on veteran journeyman Ricardo Albia.
Melindo, well-liked for his no-holds barred fistic abilities, has won his first six fights, including one by KO.
Melligen and Melindo will add luster to the action-packed boxing event headed by WBO No. 1 super flyweight contender, Z “The Dream” Gorres and undefeated young boxing star, AJ Banal.
Boxing series
The boxing event is part of the “Stars of the Future” boxing series of Solar Sports with Tanduay Rhum.
“This is another avenue for us to promote our country’s promising pugilists—to show that the Philippines is filled with talent who will follow Manny Pacquiao,” said Sammy Gello-ani.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian fighters, IBF Pan-Pacific champion Angky Angkota and Sony Manakane are set to arrive on Tuesday .
Angkota, a Filipino slayer, is set to test the promising Banal, while Manakane will try to upset Gorres.
Angkota holds a 17-3, card with 11 KOs and among his victims are ALA Boys Rocky Fuentes and Donnie Nietes, Isidro Lorona, Marvin Tampus and the current RP light flyweight champion Sonny Boy Jaro.
This is the first time Angkota is fighting away from his hometown.
Manakane, on the other hand, parades a 12-2 card and will try to do what his compatriot Simson Butar-Butar did last Sept. 23. Butar-Butar knocked out erstwhile Ala Bay Czar Amonsot in just 47 seconds.
After their arrival, the two will face the local media for a press conference at Senryu Restaurant. (RCM with PR)
