Melvin Jerusalem (leftmost) and Yudai Shigeoka (rightmost). | Picture from ZIP Sanman
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Melvin Jerusalem gears as much as defend his World Boxing Council (WBC) world minimumweight title in a rematch towards his rival Yudai Shigeoka on Sunday, March 30, in Tokoname, Aichi, Japan.
Jerusalem and Shigeoka crossed paths as soon as once more throughout the official weigh-in on Saturday, March 29, their first encounter since their intense March 13, 2024, showdown the place Jerusalem pulled off a shocking upset, dethroning Shigeoka through a cut up choice.
Nicknamed “Gringo,” Jerusalem is without doubt one of the solely two reigning Filipino boxing champions. He weighed in at 105.05 kilos, whereas Shigeoka tipped the scales barely lighter at 104.61 lbs.
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The 31-year-old Melvin Jerusalem, who trains underneath the ZIP Sanman Boxing Workforce in Cebu, efficiently defended his title final 12 months towards Mexico’s high contender, Luis Castillo, securing a unanimous choice victory in a stacked combat card held in Manila.
Decided to solidify his reign, Melvin Jerusalem devoted over six months of rigorous coaching in Cebu, Japan, and Manila to make sure he’s in peak situation for this extremely anticipated rematch.
This time, Jerusalem is on a mission to show that his preliminary victory over Shigeoka shouldn’t have been a cut up choice, particularly after flattening the Japanese fighter twice in that encounter.
Earlier than departing for Japan, Jerusalem was named “Co-Boxers of the 12 months” on the Elorde-Pacquiao Boxing Awards alongside IBF world minimumweight champion Pedro Taduran.
It was throughout this awards ceremony that Melvin Jerusalem additionally acquired worthwhile recommendation from none apart from Filipino boxing legend and eight-time world champion Manny Pacquiao.
A former WBO world minimumweight champion, Jerusalem brings a wealth of expertise into the ring, boasting a document of 23 wins, 12 by knockout, towards three losses.
In distinction, Shigeoka, who is keen to reclaim his belt, holds a youthful document of 9 wins (5 KOs) and 1 losses. The Japanese warrior nevertheless is not any pushover as he’s wily as he’s equally proficient.
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