Melvin’s target is Collazo
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 17 Apr 2025
There are two things on WBC minimumweight champion Melvin Jerusalem’s mind. First is to unify the 105-pound title, at least the WBC, WBA and WBO versions since another Filipino, Pedro Taduran, holds the IBF belt. Second is to avenge the bitter loss he suffered in Los Angeles in 2022. Both roads lead to a showdown with WBA/WBO ruler Oscar Collazo of Puerto Rico.
Jerusalem retired on his stool at the end of the seventh round in losing to Collazo on a TKO three years ago. The fight was close but Jerusalem’s body shut down because of fatigue caused by jet lag and sleepless nights. He’s learned his lesson. Jerusalem wants a rematch and Collazo is ready to give him a second chance.
“Melvin wasn’t himself in that fight,” recalled MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons. “It took a while before he got his US visa and when he did, there was little time to acclimatize. I saw the look on Melvin’s face before the fight. It wasn’t the look of a winner. They took a survey on how the fans scored the fight and Collazo was ahead by just a point despite Melvin’s condition. He really wasn’t mentally ready. Next time, it’ll be a different Melvin in the ring.”
Since Collazo holds the WBA and WBO straps, a duel will mean unifying three belts. “We want the big fight,” said Jerusalem’s promoter JC Manangquil. “Collazo and Melvin want it so we’re looking at that. Melvin will be in the US at least a month before the rematch so no jet lag when he fights. If no rematch with Collazo, we can wait for Melvin to defend his title on the ‘Thrilla In Manila’ golden anniversary card at Araneta in October.”
If ever, the rematch could be in July. Collazo, 28, is coming off a fifth round disposal of Edwin Cano in Cancun, Mexico, last March 29, the day before Jerusalem outpointed Yudai Shigeoka in Tokoname, Japan. It was Jerusalem’s second title defense while Collazo made his fifth defense of the WBO championship he won from the Filipino and first of the unified WBO/WBA diadems. Collazo’s record is 12-0 with nine KOs since turning pro in 2020. Jerusalem, 31, has compiled a 24-3 slate with 12 KOs since turning pro in 2014.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Middleweight Contender Vito Mielnicki Jr. Dominates Omar Huerta in Main Event at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City & Live on ProBoxTV
Mon, 13 Apr 2026Sergio Martinez returns with a victory at 51
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 13 Apr 2026Team USA Secures Three Gold Medals on Final Day of 2026 Gee Bee Boxing Tournament
Mon, 13 Apr 2026Rosales to fight Obedencio in RFL co-main event
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 13 Apr 2026Quiñonero to fight Cadalso in Juego Todo Pro
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 13 Apr 2026Miel Fajardo Unleashes Thrilling Fury: Filipino Slugger Blasts Reyes in IBF Flyweight Eliminator in Argentina
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 12 Apr 2026IBA NOMAD 14 delivers spectacular night of combat sports in Almaty
Sun, 12 Apr 2026Fajardo TKOs Reyes in IBF flyweight eliminator
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 12 Apr 2026P450k in Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 12 Apr 2026Tyson Fury gets a unanimous decision victory after 12 rounds against Arslanbek Makhmudov in England
Sun, 12 Apr 2026'The Take Over' Renden Oppas Scores Win in Australia
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 12 Apr 2026CK Ingles: A Chess Player, Chess Team Manager - CHESS KINGS, Chess Tournament and Event Organizer
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 12 Apr 2026Hebert Conceicao Sousa Wins Perilous Unanimous Decision over Johan Gonzalez in Main Event of ProBoxTV from Prudential Center in Brick City
Sat, 11 Apr 2026ARGENTINE KO KING CHAVES FACES MADUENO IN LAS VEGAS
Sat, 11 Apr 2026Team USA Clinches Eight Medals At 2026 Gee Bee Boxing Tournament
Sat, 11 Apr 2026