Melligen Coasts To a Unanimous Victory Over African Contender

Big props to my boy Mighty Mark Jason Melligen for winning a much needed victory over Anges Adjaho last Saturday, July 3rd. Although it was a tough fight and Adjaho came out swinging (in spurts, that is), Melligen racked up the points to get the all the judges’ nods after 10 grueling (and not so grueling) rounds.

While many are happy with Melligen’s victory, I think I am not the only one who is partly disappointed with his performance. Although Melligen and his camp already explained that they did not expect Adjaho to be bigger than they supposed, Melligen should have worked his performance up. It was not a so-so performance from the Filipino. But it was not a blockbuster fight either.

Still, congratulations are in order and I really hope Mighty Mark would improve sooner than later. The welterweight house is packed with talent and he will need to hone his skills to their sharpest ever if he wants a shot at world titleholders like Andre Berto and Shane Mosley (hey, his belt was not on the line when he fought Mayweather, FYI).


Photo from Mark Jason Melligen's Facebook Account
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On a very different note, my PERSONAL take on another website offended a lot of boxing fans. Filipinos mostly, which were the subject of the said article. Now I did said in the article title’s that it was PERSONAL. MY OWN. MY OPINION. And there was even a disclaimer on it. And I get tons of emails saying how I am wrong.

Well, I did get it wrong when I mentioned Solis (Jorge) when I meant Sanchez (Salvador) Don’t get my drift? Read all about it here. And if you do, please place your comments here so I can debate and take on all of you who disagree.

Melligen Will Own Anges

I am basically saying this because I am a Filipino. But apart from that, I believe Mighty Mark Melligen has all the tools he needs to beat Anges Adjaho. That said, Adjaho is no doubt a tough man to beat. A former continental champion and a top tier contender, Adjaho is somewhat a hard man.

But I am confident that Melligen will come out victorious for the following reasons:

#1 Melligen is hell bent on revenge against Michel Rosales, who was supposed to face him. Rosales backed out, opening the door for Adjaho to come in. If I were Mighty Mark, I would not put to waste all that hate energy and instead, I will channel them to Adjaho.

#2 Melligen is hungry for victory and recognition. He is a man who wants a title shot and this is a very big fight for Melligen. A must win situation in fact. And I would not be surprised if Melligen’s hunger would be his drive to beat the African.

#3 This Bacolod City-native trains at Floyd Mayweather’s personal gym. Surely, the former pound for pound champ must have rubbed off some of his skills and passed down a few lessons to the young welterweight prospect.

#4 Filipino Pride is at stake. After a series of Filipino losses (Viloria, Julaton, Ciso Morales, Marvin Sonsona, and Rodel Mayol), a number of Filipinos are now winning again (Melindo, Bon Jovi Canillas, and just recently Ana Julaton). Melligen feels the pressure to win and he will deliver.

#5 Melligen is just a bad ass motherf@ck#r!

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Photo from Mark Jason Melligen's Facebook Account

Prize Money Should Be PRIZED Money

It is relatively hard to stay on top of the game and remain there until you retire. Many elite boxers have enjoyed and cherished the feeling of being at the top of the hill that some of them do not know when to step down when they have to step down. In most cases, some prize fighters who have been in the limelight for too long loved the fame and the glory that they do not see their own descent.

BANG THE BOOK!

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Another Filipino Bites the Canvas

First it was Brian Viloria. Then Marvin Sonsona. Then Ana Julaton. Seems like the topnotch Filipino boxers are getting pounded one by one. And last Sunday, another high profile Filipino champion got his share of pounding.

Former WBC light flyweight champion Rodel Mayol got dethroned by Mexican rival Nino Romero, in a bout that showcased how to bring on the headbutts and lose all the way. Mayol was clearly dominating the early rounds, outboxing Romero who tried to bring the fight to the Filipino but could not just land the telling blows.

Bernabe Concepcion: Lamb To The Slaughter

Allow me to be blunt. Bernabe Concepcion (28-3-1, 15 KOs), or Abe, as Concepcion is fondly called by his peers and people who are close to him, is a lamb to the slaughter. On July 10th, Abe will face what would be perhaps the toughest assignment of his young career – wrench the WBO featherweight title from the undefeated Juan Manuel Lopez of Puerto Rico (28-0, 25 KOs). Abe is a talented fighter no doubt, but one that has still a long way to go before sharing a ring with elite competition.

No Mayweather? Probable Pacquiao Opponents Line Up

At this point in time, nobody knows whether or not Floyd Mayweather will once again go into a hiatus and leave the boxing world hinging on what could have been an explosive showdown between himself and Fighter of the Decade Manny Pacquiao. But in any case Mayweather does make true of his statements and leave boxing again and leave his crusade for drug-free boxing matches and “focus” on his other endeavors, here are some good fights Pacquiao and his camp may consider for his one last hurrah before the Fighting Pride of the Philippines shifts his attention to the Philippine politics. 

Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto II (Light Middleweight) 

Miguel Cotto tops the list of possible replacements should Pacquiao-Mayweather will never materialize. Cotto is coming off from a fresh win over former WBA light middleweight champion Yuri Foreman and rematch between the two presents a huge significance for Pacquiao. A victory over Cotto at light middleweight will give Pacquiao his 8th title in eight divisions, which would definitely up his ante exponentially. However, Pacquiao might be pushing himself if he does go north the scales and add more weight. 

And then there is also the element of revenge. Cotto suffered a beatdown and should they fight again, expect the Puerto Rican to return the favor.

Holyfield-Botha: Both Should Really Consider Retirement

I have said this once and I won’t be stopping there – Evander Holyfield needs to retire. There is no point for boxers his stature to go on and fight for the sake of glory when they basked in it during the pinnacle of their career. Of course, it is quite understandable that the Real Deal wants to retire with a world champion belt in his waist. Who doesn’t want to go out in the blaze of glory?

Adam Carolla: Unfunny Comic Disses Pacman, Pinas

A lot of my friends in the boxing scene, from the Great White Gorilla to the Preacher Man, have something to say to the unfunny Adam Carolla, a promising comic who was never able to break the barrier and cross over to mainstream popularity. Being Filipino myself, I cannot help but brand this guy’s brand of humor nothing short of insulting and degrading.

Too Giddy For Mayweather-Mosley (GO MOSLEY!)

Mayweather-Mosley is now less than a month’s away from happening and honestly, I cannot make a concrete prediction on who can be the victor on May 1st. Floyd Mayweather, 40-0, 25 KOs, is a slick defensive genius who is pretty efficient with defense and pops an effective punch or two on the counter. On the opposite corner, you have Sugar Shane Mosley, who at 38 years old, boasts of a fine, impressive record of 46-5, 39 KOs, and prefers an all-out action throughout the fight.

El Terrible Eager to Fight Pacquiao (Again), JMM

For some reasons, Erik “El Terrible” Morales believes he has what it takes to compete on a higher level. After a very imposing victory over former lightweight titlist Jose Alfaro of Nicaragua, one has to ask, can he really take on the top welterweights out there?

After one fight, no matter how impressive his win was, one cannot certainly say that Morales can contend with even the top five welterweight marquees. At 36 years old, he is in an age where boxers are already in the winter of their careers. Sadly, the Morales victory only fuels the Mexican legend’s drive to push his very much ill-advised comeback.

The Fighter's Mind Press Release

THE FIGHTER’S MIND

INSIDE THE MENTAL GAME

SAM SHERIDAN

Author of A Fighter’s Heart

“Tirelessly curious and game, deftly sidestepping pretentiousness and macho posturing and all the other usual traps that snare writers who delve into the form and meaning of fighting, Sam Sheridan seeks out fearsome teachers and comes away with a rare prize:  a deep understanding of the mental aspect of the fighter's craft and what it can teach us about how—and how not—to live.”—Carlo Rotella, author of Cut Time: An Education at the Fights

“Sheridan follows his successful A Fighter’s Heart with a wide-ranging exploration of how

great ‘fighters’ succeed. . . . Like its predecessor, this book should find an audience well

beyond the ring.” —Booklist

“Should be a knockout with fight fans.” —Library Journal

For Darchinyan, Donaire Fight Is An Imperative

No matter who Vic Darchinyan fights, as long as his loss to Nonito Donaire remains unavenged and the guy is out there winning, the Raging Bull will definitely have a hard time emerging from the shadow of that knockout. And if he wants to take another crack at Donaire, he better put a great show against top contender Rodrigo Guerrero (13-1-1, 9 KOs).

Darchinyan (33-2-1, 27 KOs), who is slated to defend his WBA/WBC super flyweight belts, admits that he has this burning desire to face Donaire once again. But time may be a bit short on him as Donaire is increasingly becoming a more bankable fighter than he is.

Make no mistake, Donaire has several doors of opportunities opening for him. Lucrative fights are looming over the horizon for the Filipino Flash. Bouts with Yuriorkis Gamboa and Juan Manuel Lopez loom for Donaire should he decide to come up in weight. Victories over either one will elevate Donaire to a whole new level of boxing super stardom.

Guerrero is no pushover though. He is looking to extend his 11-win streak, with his last bout ending in a third round knockout against Rey Lopez last December. The brash Darchinyan is coming off from a lost in his bid to capture a title in the bantamweight division against Joseph Agbeko. In terms of confidence, the Mexican is definitely filled to the brim.

But it is hard to discount Darchinyan though, with his last two wins are over Mexican warriors Cristian Mijares and Jorge Arce. He is definitely a force in the super flyweight division and a win over Guerrero will set a stage for a Donaire-Darchinyan rematch.

And truth be told, Darchinyan needs this fight with Donaire and he needs to set it up now. But for the moment, he has to deal with Guerrero first and dominate. And should Darchinyan win, pray that his promotional outfit would finally work with the Donaire camp for the much-awaited second meeting between the two.

Otherwise, the Filipino Flash will inevitably move on and seek higher purses and higher competition and leave the Australian in a legacy limbo.

Send your comments, suggestions, and violent reactions tokragpala@8countnews.com

Pinoy Power 3/Latin Fury 13: Champs Versus Chumps

Despite the prestige and all the hype, the two main events of Pinoy Power 3/Latin Fury 13 featured world class champions versus average Joes. Many have predicted (and they proved to be correct) that both Nonito Donaire and Fernando Montiel would win their fights respectively. However, this was supposed to an event that billed the best of the Philippines against the best of Latin boxing.

Ciso Morales, though undefeated, was clearly raw and green against the seasoned Montiel. The Mexican brought the fight to a quick conclusion with a powerful left uppercut to the midsection of Kid Terrible. Morales obviously did not prepare his torso hard enough to endure vicious body attacks.

On the other hand, Manuel Vargas was clearly outmatched, outclassed, and bit more than he can chew when he signed up o fight Donaire. Of course, one can argue that Vargas has little time to prepare. But Guerrero was no different as he would have ended up in the canvas against the Filipino Flash.

It is a shame that this fight promised a series of showdowns between the best of Filipino and Latin boxers. The hype and the promotion have done their part of fanning the flames to spark interests among Filipino and Latin boxing fans. Sadly, what fans got were two main events that pitted elite warriors versus foot soldiers.

Not taking anything away from Donaire and Montiel, but it would have been better if their opposition were somehow legitimate and threatening enough. Ciso Morales, who suffered the first loss of his career, is still young and the experience will definitely teach him a lot of things – fighting at the elite level is no joke.

Hopefully, the next time Top Ranks concocts another Pinoy Power-Latin Fury spectacle, they’ll give fans a war.

Others News

Gerry Penalosa of the Philippines failed to bounce back from his recent loss to Juan Manuel Lopez last year in a very strong and brave effort against Puerto Rico’s Eric Morel. While considered as Philippines’ most technically sound boxer, Penalosa fought Morel’s fight, who box intelligently, using his size and reach advantage to their maximum potential.

Of course, Morel was seen excessively holding down Penalosa’s head, which warranted a deduction or two. However, no deductions came, which could have changed the results of the fight if they were implemented. Another note to consider is that that it was a close, tight fight. Nothing to be ashamed of for Penalosa, who really needs to hang up his gloves and call it quits after losing two fights in a row.

Perhaps the most exciting round would be Bernabe Concepcion vs. Mario Santiago. Both men gave boxing fans a dose pure boxing action from start to finish, with Concepcion flooring his rival once in the 6th round and Santiago retaliated with a rally in the final push. Concepcion’s win over SAntiago sets him a showdown with Puerto Rican superstar Juan Manuel Lopez.

Although untelevised, Philippines’ Mark Jason Melligen had a good time dismantling Raymund Gatica. Meliigen finished the bout with TKO victory in the 6th round.

Filipino boxing legends Manny Pacquiao and Z Gorres were at ringside to show support for their Filipino brothers.

Roger Mayweather: Crack History 101

And the accusations still flies even after WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao moved on and laid his belt on the line against top welterweight contender Joshua Clottey. This time, Roger Mayweather now named the substance he “knows” Pacquiao is using – A-Side meth.

And Mayweather also threw in some history too. A-Side meth has been in the scene since for centuries now and was critical during the war between Filipinos and Americans that occur approximately 500 years ago. And get this, American were already using 45 calibers against Filipinos, but the bullets were just bouncing off them Filipinos’ backsides.

All these occurred 500 years ago.

While many would just pass this rambling as some figure of speech, Mayweather was really convinced that Pacquiao is indeed on A-Side meth, and that this performance-enhancing drug was used by Filipino soldiers against American forces. He was so convinced that he was speaking the truth and at the same time, dumb.

So to really put things in the light, here are some FACTS to help you judge whether Mayweather is right or otherwise.

The first time United States got tangled with the Philippine forces was in 1899, which was sometime around 111 years ago. Far from the 500 years Mayweather was pretty much bent on declaring.

45 caliber rounds were not widely used until 1911 when the US Army adopted the Automatic Colt Pistol as the standard small arms of the organization.

500 years ago, around 1510, the Philippines was not even discovered by Spanish explorers. The Spaniards landed on March 1521.

The list goes on. But it seems Mayweather allegations of steroid use by Pacquiao now borders on the ludicrous. But one thing is for sure, whatever lawsuit Pacquiao has thrown the Mayweathers, Roger is clearly undaunted.

Mayweather: Fight or Flee

Can it get any better than this? Finally, Mayweather can’t say no without looking like a coward.

The pressure is now on Floyd Mayweather to fight Shane Mosley after Mosley’s intended opponent, Andre Berto, withdrew from the January 30th bout because of the loss of loved ones and the emotional burden he carries after a huge earthquake struck Haiti, his parents’ home country. If Mayweather ducks this one, the further damages the move would create to his already damaged legacy would be irreversible.

Mayweather, who used to call the shots and pick opponents who pose little or no threat at all, is now backed into a corner and the only way out is either he fights Mosley, or flees from the scene. The first option is his best choice. After the failed negotiations between his side and Manny Pacquiao’s camp, most of the boxing fans and a number of the boxing community blame him for the fallout.

To add more damage to his reputation, Pacquiao opted to fight and defend his WBO welterweight belt against former welterweight champ Joshua Clottey, a durable and tough boxer who is also considered one of the top ranking welters. Clottey is a high risk-low reward fight for Pacquiao and by taking him on, Pacquiao looked more impressive than Mayweather.

If Mayweather rejects to fight Mosley and decides to flee and look for easy matchups, then he might as well retire again and for good. Any other fight, unless it is Paul Williams, is utterly unacceptable and a great disservice to the sport and to the fans.

The Berto withdrawal have presented Mayweather with a golden opportunity. He better not waste it.

Filipino Pugilists Trump Contenders in Cebu

Bakbakan sa Sinulog was a complete success with the Filipino pugilists sweeping through their foreign opponents convincingly and in very emphatic fashion. ALA Boxing Promotions’ prodigies and the event’s double-headers AJ “Bazooka” Banal and Milan Melindo have successfully trumped their opposition and further improve their records and their chances for a world stage.

Banal effectively used his height, speed, and strength advantage in dispatching Cecilio Boga Santos of Mexico in the fourth round of their non-title bantamweight bout. Santos landed some solid shots but was not quite consistent as he struggled with the young Banal’s physical advantages. The Filipino took no time in administering serious combinations with blistering speed to end the night for the Mexican Santos.

For the main event, Milan Melindo took on the young and slick California-native Anthony Villareal in a very exciting exchange. Villareal, the game champion, was very effective with his low-guard style until he got decked to the canvas by a solid right hook from the Filipino in the first round. Villareal was clearly stunned by Melindo’s power and was very careful throughout the fight.

Melindo was very patient and cool, although he kept on pressing the taller and bigger Villareal. Melindo concocted several combinations that would force the American champion to back down. But Villareal had his moments as well. He clearly won rounds 6, 8, and 10, evidently when he used his quickness and slick defense to slip Melindo’s punches and lands some solid shots of his own.

Round 12 proved to be a thrilling segment of the fight as Melindo, who was clearly ahead on points, decided to trade with the strong-punching Villareal. However, the Filipino proved to be a tough customer as Melindo and Villareal went for a knockout during the dying seconds of the fight.

Melindo won a rightfully-deserved unanimous decision. I scored the fight 7 rounds to 3 in favor of the new WBC Youth Intercontinental Flyweight champion.

Anthony Villareal vs Milan Melindo Round by Round - Bakbakan sa Sinulog

Round 1

Both men are feeling each other out. Melindo stalks Villareal, who potshots him with jabs. Melindo catches Villareal with a right hook and sents him to teh canvas. Villareal clearly dazed and holds to survive the round.

10-8 Melindo

Round 2

Strong right hands from Melindo stagger Villarreal. Villareal recovers. Melindo clearly the busy fighter.

10-9 Melindo

Round 3

Villareal lands strong jabs and hooks. Melindo unfazed and fires back with power shots. Villareal caught a straight right and holds. Melindo all the way.

10-9 Melindo

Round 4

Back and forth action with Melindo giving out more. Melindo catches Villareal with another right hook. Villareal counters with his left.

10-9 Melindo

Round 5

Villareal tries to land some power shots but it's Melindo who is landing more meaningful blows. Melindo is dishing out punishmnet. Villareal is clearly running out of steam.

10-9 Melindo

Round 6
Villareal seems to come back in this round. He's landing cleaner shots now. Melindo gives out his share. Villareal fires a combo to end the round.

10-9 Villareal

Round 7

Both men went all-out. Hard round to decide. But I'll give it to Melindo since he lands the more telling blows.

10-9 Melindo

Round 8

Villareal is countering well in this round, catching Melindo wiith some serious shots on the way in. Melindo staggers Villareal with another strong right hook. Villareal displayed good defense.

10-9 Villareal

Round 9

Villareal owned the first minute with good defense and landing some counters. Melindo took over and unleashes some seriuous shots to the head and body.

10-9 Melindo

Round 10

Villareal looking for a knockout. Villareal unleashing more punches than Melindo. Villareal staggers Melindo with a left hook. Melindo stands his ground and trades back.

10-9 Villareal

End of Fight

AJ "Bazooka" Banal vs Cecilio "Boga" Santos - Bakbakan sa Sinulog

Round 1

Santos starts with a jab. Banal retaliates with his own combinations. Santos fires with a couple of 1-2s. Banal finally established height and reach advantage and peppers Santos with jabs and power shots.

10-9 Banal

Round 2

Banal dishing a lot of punches. Santos fires back but not much. Santos covers up as Banal starts a body attack. Banal applies good pressure.

10-9 Banal

Round 3

Banal staggers Santos with a straight left. Banal unleashes combinations. Santos lands a few shots. Banal again with a straight left. banal with a left hook. Banal fires a 1-2 at the end of the round.

10-8 Banal

Round 4

Banal stings Santos with another straight left, Santos clearly hurt. Banal traps Santos in a corner. Barrage of punches from Banal knocks Santos out.

Banal winner by knockout.

James Bacon vs T. Singwancha Round by Round

Round 1

Bacon uses his jab effectively. Bacon staggers Singwancha with a straight right. Bacon unleashes a combo and traps Singwancha on the ropes.

Singwancha struggles with Bacon's height and reach advantage.

Rd 1- Bacon 10-9

Round 2

Singwancha mounts a body attack and repelled by Bacon. Singwancha displays good tight defense. Singwancha slips. Both exchange blows. Bacon giving out more punches.

Bacon 10-9

Round 3

Singwancha knocks Bacon down. Ref rules it a slip. Both men exchange punches. Bacon staggers Singwancha with another straight right. Bacon lands three punches before the end of the round.

Bacon 10-9

Round 4

Relentless body attack from bacon. Singwancha falls and yields.

Bacon wins by TKO 55 seconds in the 4th.