Jerusalem confirms first title protection vs. Mexican rival in Manila on Sept. 22

Melvin Jerusalem | CDN file photograph

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Reigning WBC World Minimumweight Champion Melvin “Gringo” Jerusalem has formally confirmed the date and site of his extremely anticipated first title protection.

In an unique interview with CDN Digital, Jerusalem introduced that he’ll defend his title towards top-ranked Mexican challenger Luis “Flechita” Castillo on September 22 in Mandaluyong Metropolis, Manila.

Whereas the precise venue has but to be revealed, Jerusalem assured followers that the combat will happen on dwelling soil—a stark distinction to his final title protection, the place he fought on his opponent’s turf.

In 2023, Jerusalem traveled to Puerto Rico to defend his WBO World Minimumweight title towards native favourite Oscar Collazo, solely to lose the belt in a seventh-round stoppage.

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Undeterred by that setback, Jerusalem roared again to seize the WBC world title in March, edging out Japan’s Yudai Shigeoka in a hard-fought break up resolution in Nagoya.

Now, with a document of twenty-two wins, together with 12 knockouts, and simply three defeats, the 29-year-old Filipino champion is deep in coaching at ZIP Sanman Boxing Health club in Banawa, Cebu underneath the watchful eye of veteran coach Michael Domingo.

The thrill is palpable as Jerusalem appears to be like ahead to defending his title on dwelling soil.

In the meantime, Castillo, 27, has practically an equivalent document with Jerusalem. He’s unbeaten with 21 wins, one draw, and 13 knockouts.

He’s ranked the No. 1 contender within the WBO minimumweight division.

Jerusalem is among the two present Filipino world champions in boxing, the opposite one is the newly-crowned IBF world minimumweight king Pedro Taduran. /clorenciana

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