Back to drawing board
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 04 Jun 2023
It was a brief four-month reign as WBO minimumweight champion for Bukidnon’s Melvin Jerusalem but after losing the crown in his first defense to Puerto Rico’s Oscar Collazo in California last weekend, the future is far from bleak. Jerusalem, 29, will take a one-month break then return to the gym and work his way back to the throne. His consolation is earning the biggest purse of his career in losing to Collazo with a paycheck the equivalent of P6.3 million.
Jerusalem got off to a hot start then sputtered as his legs stiffened. Unable to move away from Collazo’s strike zone, he became an easy target. At the end of the seventh, Jerusalem surrendered on his stool, his face a picture of exasperation. “’Di ako makagalaw,” he said. “Nawala ang lakas ko. ‘Di ko ininda suntok niya. Sayang ang pagkakataon. Walang problema ang stamina. Nag-training ako one month sa Japan at one month sa Cebu. Nanghina ako pagdating sa US, ‘di ako makatulog.” Jerusalem flew in to Los Angeles less than two weeks before the fight and struggled with jet lag in the ring.
“Wala sa tamang pagiisip,” said Jersulaem's coach and cornerman Michael Domingo. “Nag-give up ang katawan. Apat na oras lang ang tulog niya at nagigising sa gabi. Pagkatapos ng sixth round, sabi ko kay Melvin tigil na at ayaw ko siyang mabugbog at baka madisgrasya. Isa pang round daw. Pagkatapos ng seventh, umayaw na. Tinatamaan sa katawan at dagdag sa paghihina.” Jerusalem said he now faces the toughest challenge of coming back from a disappointing loss. Domingo said he shouldn’t be discouraged and has a long way to go in his boxing journey.
MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons said Jerusalem has to be mentally tougher moving forward. “The guy did very well but mentally, it got in his mind he was tired,” said Gibbons. “You’re a champ, you’ve got to bite down and suck it up. I’ve had many, many guys show up two, three, four days before a fight and he had nine. (JohnRiel) Casimero showed up with seven and did tremendous. Everybody’s different but it’s unfortunate. We had real problems with his visa, we had to get an emergency appointment and we got the visa 10 or 11 days before. Melvin was in dog-ass shape but in any sport, if you go in thinking you’re gonna be tired, you couldn’t sleep with no proper rest, you absolutely know what’s going to happen and that’s what happened.” Jerusalem’s promoter JC Manangquil said it’s not the end of the road. “Melvin will be back,” he said. “Give credit to Collazo, he was the better boxer that night. Melvin suddenly slowed down and his body wasn’t cooperating with him. It happens, no excuses.”
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Showdown in Tokyo: Jerry Francisco Challenges Undefeated Yuga Ozaki for WBO Asia Pacific Title Today
By Dong Secuya, Wed, 15 Jul 2026RUIZ JR. FACES KNYBA AT PRUDENTIAL CENTER, NEWARK, NJ ON SEPT 4 – LIVE ON TNT AND DAZN
Wed, 15 Jul 2026MATCHROOM AND DAZN LAUNCH PROJECT SERIES ON AUG 28
Wed, 15 Jul 2026Pinoy woodpushers confident in Asian Youth tilt in Shenzhen, China
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 15 Jul 2026CARE conducts WASSAR training course for Junior Lifeguards in Digos
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 15 Jul 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 13 JULY 2026: Gassiev Stops Kadiru, Retains WBA Heavy Title; Suslenko Beats Joyce; Ataev Outpoints Uzcategui
By Eric Armit, Tue, 14 Jul 2026Two World Title Fights are added to AJ-Prenga undercard at 'The Comeback' in Jeddah
Tue, 14 Jul 2026Perez willing to have a trilogy with Eman
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 13 Jul 2026MANILA ROARS BACK: THE REYES CUP AND PHILIPPINES OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP RETURN FOR 2026
Mon, 13 Jul 2026Jayr Raquinel Avenges Compatriots with First-Round Stoppage Over Kenbun Torres in Osaka
By Dong Secuya, Mon, 13 Jul 2026IBA President Umar Kremlev backs Gassiev for heavyweight unification fights after IBA Pro 19 title defence
Mon, 13 Jul 2026Chess Kings rules Pacquiao rapid chess team tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 13 Jul 2026P1 million at stake in DC Trail Ultra
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 13 Jul 2026Gabriel Santisima Retains WBO Asia-Pacific Title with First-Round Knockout Win
Sun, 12 Jul 2026Sumabong wins OPBF, WBO Asia Pacific titles
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 12 Jul 2026