Jerusalem never expected KO win
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 08 Jan 2023
Melvin Jerusalem was as shocked as defending WBO minimumweight champion Masataka Taniguchi when he scored a TKO win with a single punch at 1:04 of the second round to wrest the 105-pound crown in Osaka last Friday. “Di ko inaasahan,” said the Bukidnon fighter. “Pero naniniwala ako na walang imposible.”
Jerusalem’s promoter JC Manangquil of General Santos City’s SanMan Promotions said the plan wasn’t to go for an early ending. “Balak namin to dominate every round,” disclosed Manangquil who worked Jerusalem’s corner with trainer Michael Domingo. “Confident si Melvin pero sa first round, it was close. Si Taniguchi ang nag-apply ng pressure. Sa second round, labas pasok si Melvin, naghahanap ng opening. Paglapit ni Taniguchi, inunahan ni Melvin at swak yung right straight sa baba. Bagsak siya, bumangon tapos bumagsak uli kaya hininto ng referee (Roberto Ramirez, Jr.).” Two of the three judges scored the first round for Taniguchi.
Jerusalem, 28, timed his killer blow perfectly, penetrating Taniguchi’s southpaw defense like a slashing knife. Taniguchi fell on his back, struggled on all fours, got up, wobbled on rubbery legs and crumpled to the canvas once more, prompting Ramirez to wave it off. Manangquil said the Japanese champion underestimated Jerusalem. Taniguchi showed no footwork, no head movement and went straight at Jerusalem looking for a homerun. Jerusalem counter-punched at the onset but when Taniguchi moved in and exposed himself in the pocket without throwing a punch, he was an easy target. The win raised Jerusalem’s record to 20-2, with 12 KOs.
Jerusalem began his pro career with Tony Aldeguer’s stable and fought under the nom de guerre Gringo. When ALA closed boxing operations, Jerusalem was signed up by Manangquil in partnership with Japanese group ZIP Management of Nobuyuki Matsuura and Mhavic Kamiyama. In 2017, Jerusalem lost in his first bid to win a world title, dropping a close but unanimous decision to WBC minimumweight titlist Wanheng Menayothin in Thailand. A few months later, he was outpointed by Joey Canoy then recovered to win eight in a row and earn a crack at Taniguchi’s throne. Jerusalem and his traveling party returned to Manila yesterday evening.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Day One Concludes at 2026 USA Boxing International Open
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Female Boxing GOAT Katie Taylor to be Special guest at All-N.E. Golden Gloves Thursday, Feb. 12, in Lowell, MA
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Brandon McCarthy Signs with Wise Owl Boxing, Set to Make Noise at 135 lbs
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Set for Action on Valentine's Day in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Oklahoma Outplays LA Lakers, 119-110; Arrests Skid to Hold on to League Lead
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Malaya Vibrations to play gig at 5th MFPI Mindanao Summit
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Fight of the Night in Thailand: Ador Torres and Sairike Tuolewutayi Battle to a Thrilling Draw
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Young Australian Benji Birchell Claims Title Win in Thailand
Wed, 11 Feb 2026Tickets for the Inaugural “Mike Tyson Invitational” Amateur Fight Night on Saturday, March 14, in Las Vegas Are on Sale Now
Wed, 11 Feb 20262026 USA Boxing Men's Elite High Performance Team and Squad Rosters Announced
Wed, 11 Feb 2026IIEE, SAEP shared lead, PIChE won 3rd in a row in the PTC WED NEMO Chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 11 Feb 2026The Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo RETURNS! Saturday May 2, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
Wed, 11 Feb 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 9 FEBRUARY 2026: Figueroa Stops Ball in 12; Medina Outpoints Curiel; Asanau, Unal Win in Montreal
By Eric Armit, Tue, 10 Feb 2026Paradero gets a rematch against Francisco
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 10 Feb 2026Carcedo wins WBA Asia South super welterweight title
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 10 Feb 2026