Jerusalem retains WBC World minimumweight title
By Lito delos Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 23 Sep 2024
MELVIN “Gringo” Jerusalem knocked down challenger Luis “Flechita” Castillo of Mexico in the 1st round and continued to dominate the remaining rounds to retain his WBC World minimumweight title Sunday, September 22, at the Mandaluyong City College in Mandaluyong City.
The lopsided scores were 120-107, 120-107 and 118-109 all in favor of the 30-year-old Jerusalem, who hails from Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.
It was the first title defense of Jerusalem, who grabbed the crown from Yudai Shigeoka by split decision last March 31, 2024 at the International Conference Hall in Nagoya, Japan.
Jerusalem now has 23 wins with 12 knockouts and three losses while Castillo suffered his first loss after 21 wins and one draw.
Meanwhile, former IBF world champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas of Panabo City came back into the winning column by crushing Sukpraserd Ponpitak of Thailand by DQ in the 5th round.
The 32-year-old Ancajas now has 35 wins with 4 loses and 2 draws, while Ponpitak suffered his 20th loss against 30 wins.
Former champion Manny Pacquiao promoted the fight under the “Blow by Blow” Promotion.
Photo: WBC World minimumweight champion Melvin Jerusalem hits Mexican Luis Castillo with a right jab en route to a convincing unanimous decision last September 22 in Mandaluyong City. [Photo by Wendell Alinea]
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Lito delos Reyes.
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