Jerusalem to fight Landero for the vacant OPBF minimumweight title
By Lito delos Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 17 Jun 2021
Jerusalem.
DAVAO CITY – Top-ranked Melvin “Gringo” Jerusalem of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon will fight Toto “Muscovado” Landero of Pontevedra, Negros Occidental for the vacant Orient and Pacific Boxing Federation strawweight title on July 18 in Cebu City.
Jerusalem (16W-2L-0D, 10KOs) is rated OPBF no. 1 strawweight contender while Landero (11W-5L-2D, 2KOs) is ranked no. 10.
Under Coach Michael Domingo, Jerusalem is currently training at the Villamor Boxing Gym in Mandaue City.
It is owned by brothers Edito and Edmund Villamor, formerly from ALA Boxing Gym.
Jerusalem is also practicing at the EMT Boxing Gym in Mandaue managed by former boxer Edcel Mike Tuñacao.
“Kay di pa padulaan ang Gensan, didto unta me (Because Gensan wasn't allowed to have fights yet, I would have been there),” said the 27-year-old Jerusalem.
“Paabut rami kay Sir JC Manangguil sa final sa venue (Look forward to Sir JC Manangguil on the final venue),” said Jerusalem.
Manangguil, who is the operation manager is still in the USA because of another fight.
“Ready na kayo ko, dugay kuni gepangandaman (I'm ready for it, I've been preparing for a long time),” said Jerusalem, who is still 115 pounds right now.
Jerusalem recently scored a 2nd round knockout against Jayson Francisco of Kidapawan last Dec. 17, 2020 at the Sanman Gym in Gensan.
Francisco was knocked down twice in the 2nd round due to body shots.
In January 2017, Jerusalem lost by a unanimous decision to Chayaphon Moonsri of Thailand for the WBC World minimumweight title at the Phitsanulok. Jerusalem was deducted a point in Round 8 for a low blow.
“Dako akung kalipay nga makadula nakog balik ug championship, dili jud ne nako sayangan ang panahon kay mao nane akung gina paabut (I'm very happy to be able to play again and championship, I won't waste time because that's what I'm looking forward to),” said Jerusalem.
He is thankful of his new manager Mhavic Kamiyama who is based in Japan.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Lito delos Reyes.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Catterall vs Eubank: Jack’s Experience Gap Too Wide?
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 05 Jul 2025Morelle McCane Advances to Semifinals at World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
Sat, 05 Jul 2025WEIGHTS FROM MANCHESTER: CATTERALL - 146.5 LBS., EUBANK - 146.5 LBS.
Sat, 05 Jul 2025Vincent Astrolabio in LA training alongside Manny Pacquiao
By Ace Freeman, Sat, 05 Jul 2025Jason Sanchez Upsets Previously Undefeated Julian Gonzalez in Philly
Sat, 05 Jul 2025Meatball Launches Boxing Career With Matchroom
Sat, 05 Jul 2025The Queens of Philippine Boxing are Training in Cebu
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 04 Jul 2025Raising the Game: Jean Henri Lhuillier’s Unmatched Impact on Philippine Tennis
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 04 Jul 2025GM Eugene Torre to grace the Asenso Ozamis Open Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 04 Jul 2025The Second Rise of Jesse Espinas
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 04 Jul 2025Boxing Golden Age Comparison - Philippines and Japan
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 04 Jul 2025Kittipong, Magdalena, Kim, Kritiphak Claim Wins in Brico Santig's Show in Bangkok
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 04 Jul 2025Kremlev, Crawford, Fury Launch IBA's Golden Era of International Boxing
Fri, 04 Jul 2025International Master Angelo Young stays on course for GM norm
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 04 Jul 2025Robby Gonzales and Yoseline Perez Progress to Semifinals at World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
Fri, 04 Jul 2025