Melvin Jerusalem: A Powerful boxer from Philippines

Melvin Jerusalem is one of the most promising boxers in the minimum weight class, who managed to win the WBC. This Filipino is known for his aggressive fighting style, endurance and iron character. How did he achieve this success? What tests did he go through? And does he have a chance to become an absolute champion? At 22bet Philippines, you can bet on boxing and other sports with excellent conditions, high odds and profitable promotional offers.

Interesting facts about Jerusalem

Melvin Jerusalem is not just a champion, but a boxer with a unique history.

Here are some interesting facts about him:

Nickname “Gringo”. Although this word is associated with Mexicans and Americans, it stuck with Melvin because of his fighting style – he acts tough, assertively, likes to attack and is not afraid to take punches.
Started with street fights. Like many Filipino boxers, Jerusalem participated in fights and amateur fights since childhood, which tempered his character.
Defeated the champion in Japan. In 2023, Jerusalem sensationally knocked out Masataka Taniguchi in the third round and became the world champion in the minimum weight class.

He is also the first boxer with the last name Jerusalem to become a champion. Before him, no one with such a last name had won titles in professional boxing.

The boxing path of “Gringo” to the championship

Melvin Jerusalem began his career in 2014. His debut was successful – he won his first fight by technical knockout. He then gained momentum, but the path to the championship was not easy:

A streak of 11 consecutive victories was interrupted by Wanheng Menayothin, who defended his WBC title – immediately after this fight, Jerusalem wanted to rehabilitate himself, but lost again, this time to Joey Kanoya.
Despite the failure, Jerusalem did not give up. He scheduled a new fight in the same 2017 and won – Zhestony Rakom suffered. After that, a streak of 8 victories began.
In 2023, he went to Japan to fight for the WBO minimumweight title against Masataka Taniguchi. Jerusalem was an underdog, but sensationally won by knockout in the third round, winning the championship belt.

After the championship, he signed a contract with a new promotional company and decided to fight for the WBC title, which is considered more prestigious. In the fight against Yudai Shideoka, he took it, albeit by a split decision. Jerusalem lost the WBO belt in a fight with Oscar Collazo.

Is Melvin capable of winning the absolute?

Now Melvin Jerusalem is the WBC champion, but will he be able to become the absolute champion? There are several strong boxers in the minimum weight that he will have to face.

Main competitors:

Oscar Collazo – the American holds the WBA and WBO titles, for some reason ignores the IBF and does not really want to fight Jerusalem again.
Yuni Takada and Yudai Shigeoka – the Japanese are traditionally strong in the lightweight division, so you should not reject Melvin’s fight with one of them. Maybe even with both.
Pedro Taduran – confidently holds the IBF belt, but Jerusalem does not want to fight his compatriot, so the chances of a fight are negligible.

Alternatively, you can move up a division and fight Masamichi Yabuki, Shokichi Iwata or Eric Rosa. A very interesting option, which Jerusalem also likes.

What Jerusalem needs to become an absolute champion:

Improve his defense – he is used to working in an aggressive manner, but against fast technicians he will need more tactical flexibility.
Work on endurance – his style requires a lot of energy, which can affect 12-round fights.
Develop power – he is strong in attack, but to defeat the top fighters he needs an even more destructive blow.

Melvin Jerusalem is a powerful champion who has already proven his worth in boxing. He has the potential to become an absolute champion, but difficult tests await him ahead.