Melvin Jerusalem set to defend WBC belt in front of Filipino fans

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Filipino boxing champion Melvin Jerusalem is ready for his first title defense in front of his home fans confirmed by the Manny Pacquaio (MP) Promotions on June 26, 2024.

Jerusalem, who clinched the World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight championship last March 31, 2024 against Yudai Shigeoka of Japan, will be attempting to defend his belt this coming September and will be challenged by Mexican pug Luis Castillo.

According to MP Promotions, the Jerusalem-Castillo title bout will take place either in Manila, Masbate, or General Santos City.

Jerusalem made history last March when he put PHL boxing back on the pedestal and halted the drought of the Filipinos in the sport’s champion list.

As the only Filipino champion in boxing, MP Promotions emphasized that giving Jerusalem the proper treatment in his title bouts is a must.

“For pride and country, this is surely a Filipino thing because long enough everytime a Filipino becomes a world champion, he’s really obliged to go to defend their belts at the enemy’s territory,” said Sean Gibbons, MP Promotions’ President.

Jerusalem is targeting his third straight win in two years and is currently holding an impressive professional boxing record of 22 wins, 12 knockouts, and three defeats.

Known as a patient technical boxer, Jerusalem’s ability to adjust to his opponent’s game plan will be his biggest edge in his upcoming title defense.

On the other hand, Castillo, who holds a professional boxing record of 21 wins, 13 knockouts, without a single defeat, is looking to stretch his undefeated record in the Philippines.

Castillo boasts an insane knockout power, especially with his hooks, and is also a great jab puncher while applying pressure moving forward.

Can Jerusalem give his Filipino fans a treat and succeed with his mission of retaining his WBC minimumweight belt?