Curious break helps Filipino welterweight

Some boxers need a break to be discovered, and that break can come from just about anywhere. In the case of Mark Melligen, it came from a woman who dives into a tank filled with a million gallons of water.

Melligen, a talented welterweight from the Philippines who used to train with Manny Pacquiao, headlines tonight’s Top Rank card at the Hard Rock Hotel against Mexican veteran Norberto Gonzalez in a 10-round main event. He can thank his trainer, Tony Martin, for getting him to Top Rank.

In 2008, Martin trained fighters at the old Vegas Gym on East Sahara Avenue while also working with other athletes and dancers. One of those nonboxers was Sarah Molasky, who was appearing in the show “Le Reve” at Wynn Las Vegas, where part of her routine involved diving into a huge tank of water.

Her grandfather Irwin is close friends with Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. Martin thought Melligen, who was still in the Philippines, had the tools to be a champion. But he was wallowing in anonymity.

Martin met with Irwin Molasky, who arranged for Arum, Martin and Melligen to get together. Top Rank eventually signed Melligen after Pacquiao endorsed the welterweight from Bacolod City.

“It changed my life,” said Melligen, who debuted for Top Rank on March 7, 2009, and will be fighting for the seventh time for Arum’s company. “Top Rank has given me opportunities I probably would not have gotten. I’m keeping busy, fighting every two months. I’m getting better. I’m very happy with the way things have turned out.”

Martin said, “There are a lot of talented fighters in the Philippines, but they don’t get the exposure. I knew this kid was special, but he just needed someone to see him and give him a chance. I’m very grateful to Sarah and to Irwin for introducing us to Bob and Top Rank.”

Melligen (17-2, 13 knockouts) is headlining for the first time. He acknowledged there’s pressure on him to produce.

“This is a big opportunity for me,” Melligen said. “This is my first time in a main event, and I don’t want to let my fans or Top Rank down. I’m going to go out there and fight my fight.”

For Melligen, that means good defense, good footwork and no unnecessary risks. Martin said his fighter is sometimes too cautious and that when he has an opponent hurt, he’s reluctant to finish him.

“We’ve been working on going for the kill,” he said. “But he’s ready for this next step.”

In the 10-round co-feature tonight, super featherweight Diego Magdaleno of Las Vegas faces Manny Perez. Magdaleno (14-0, three KOs) spent a week in the altitude of Reno preparing for Perez (14-5-1, two KOs) and his first 10-round fight.

Also appearing on the card will be Las Vegan Anthony Lenk (6-1, three KOs), who will face Wilson Rivera in a six-round super lightweight bout, and super lightweight sensation Jose Benavidez, who has looked spectacular in his first three fights, all knockout wins. Benavidez meets Scott Paul in a four-round bout.

First bell for the card, which will be televised on Fox Sports Espanol (Cable 140), is at 5:15 p.m.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.