
Melvin Jerusalem’s First Defense Will Be Against Oscar Collazo on May 27 in Los Angeles, Dallas or Puerto Rico
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 28 Feb 2023

The first title defense of skilled Filipino WBO minimumweight world champion Melvin “Gringo” Jerusalem will be against Puerto Rico’s mandatory challenger Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo on Saturday, May 27, and who will emerge victorious?
Jointly promoted by Osca De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions, the exciting 105-pound, 12-rounder clash will take place either in Los Angeles, Dallas or Puerto Rico.
For this first defense, the Pinoy Melvin Jerusalem (20-2, 12 KO’s), will earn a purse of USD 114,000 dollars, while the Puerto Rican Oscar Collazo (6-0, 4 KO’s) from Villalba, Puerto Rico, will get USD 38,000 dollars, plus more $$$ from other revenue streams.
Will the 29-year-old former ALA fighter born in the Banuwa ta Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, stop Miguel Cotto’s boxer in the same thrilling, fast & furious way in which he overpowered Japanese Masataka Taniguchi (16-4, 11 KO’s), last month in Osaka to continue as a champion of the world for his beloved Philippines?
His many followers hope so much so!
Or will the lone Pinoy world champion be bested by the Puerto Rican Oscar Collazo, the very same southpaw who decisioned Vic Saludar (22-6, 12 KO’s) last July?
The intriguing Jerusalem vs Collazo title battle is a mandatory fight ordered by the WBO, and who will be victorious? That we have to find out! May the Best Man Win!
The author, veteran boxing reporter Carlos Costa of Panama, can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com and whatsapp +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
A night of power, legacy, and UAE pride: IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships opens in spectacular fashion in Dubai
Wed, 03 Dec 2025OKC Thunder is NBA 2025-2026 Strongest Team
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 03 Dec 2025Who was Clever Sison?
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 03 Dec 2025MATCHROOM BOXING RETURNS TO FONTAINEBLEAU LAS VEGAS WITH MURATALLA-CRUZ FIGHT, JAN. 24, 2026
Wed, 03 Dec 2025TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Undefeated Featherweight Luis Nuñez Prepares for Hector Sosa Showdown on PBC on Prime Video
Wed, 03 Dec 2025Darry Bernardo, 4 other Pinoys in hot start in 3rd Asian Chess Championship 2025 for players with disabilities
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 03 Dec 2025Two Pacquiaos on same card?
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 02 Dec 2025OLYMPIC BOXING 4: 1924 OLYMPICS AT PARIS, FRANCE
By Maloney L. Samaco, Tue, 02 Dec 2025Cebuana Lhuillier-Backed UTP National Team Shines at 40th Penang Open, Captures Multiple Titles
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 02 Dec 2025WBC 63th Annual Convention Opens in Bangkok
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 02 Dec 2025Undefeated Brooklyn heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor closing out a strong 2026
Tue, 02 Dec 2025USA Boxing Announces Partnership with Xempower USA
Tue, 02 Dec 2025THE RING 6: TEOFIMO-SHAKUR SET FOR JANUARY SHOWDOWN IN NEW YORK
Tue, 02 Dec 2025Undefeated Middleweight Dante Kirkman Set to Return December 11 in Costa Mesa
Tue, 02 Dec 2025Dejon Farrell Francis Turning Things Around
Tue, 02 Dec 2025