Melvin Jerusalem: The Only Reigning Filipino World Champion
Melvin Jerusalem stands as the only reigning Filipino world champion as he captures the WBC minimumweight belt.
Philippine Boxing Redemption
Melvin Jerusalem saved Philippine boxing from winding up without a world champion in January 2023, when he stopped Japanese Masataka Taniguchi in two rounds to clinch the World Boxing Organization mini-flyweight crown in Osaka.
Double Victory in Japan
On March 31, Jerusalem repeated the feat, resurrecting the country’s fading ring hopes with a split decision win over Japanese Yudai Shigeoka that made him the World Boxing Council minimumweight champion in Nagoya.
Determination to Defend
The 30-year-old pride of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, swore to give all his powers to keep the WBC belt longer this time. He expressed his commitment to maintaining the title for a long time, emphasizing the significance of the WBC belt with all the flags of the nations of the world represented on it.
Jerusalem, accompanied by his promoter JC Manangquil and chief trainer Michael Domingo, is prepared to defend his title against any challenger, as mandated by the WBC rules.
Manangquil mentioned that Jerusalem would need to make two title defenses before selecting his next championship opponent. Despite this requirement, Jerusalem remains focused on defending his title and is ready for any challenge.
Manangquil and Domingo are taking time to celebrate the victory before planning their next steps in Jerusalem’s boxing career.
