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:
OFFICIAL WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER FOR PACHECO VS SADJO IN STOCKTON
Sat, 13 Dec 2025OFFICIAL WEIGHTS FROM TODAY'S CHM: 2 REMATCH SEASON CEREMONIAL WEIGH-INS IN DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES
Sat, 13 Dec 2025Donaire to fight Tsutsumi on December 17 in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 13 Dec 2025Nesthy faces Indon legend
By Joaquin Henson, Sat, 13 Dec 2025Bob Santos Joins Broadcast Team for Boxlab Promotions’ “Night of Champions XIII” During WBA’s 104th Annual Convention
Sat, 13 Dec 2025Championship Bouts Set for the Bantam and Intermediate Division
Sat, 13 Dec 2025SEAG Triathlon, aquathlon, duathlon in Rayong
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 13 Dec 2025Jeremy Marticio wins IIEE SIKAT, ICFF won PTC World Engineering Opening
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 13 Dec 2025Facularin to fight Torres on December 13 in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 12 Dec 2025Baricuatro wins, Veloso falters in SEAG boxing
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 12 Dec 2025BASH BOXING AND UP NEXT FIGHTING RETURN WITH SPECIAL EDITION UNF 29 TOMORROW NIGHT AT ACE · MISSION STUDIOS IN LOS ANGELES
Fri, 12 Dec 2025MERCADO AIMING TO SEND MESSAGE TO 140LB RIVALS
Fri, 12 Dec 2025Sullivan Management signs Influencer/pro boxer Brooklyn Barwick
Fri, 12 Dec 2025Round 12: Successful WBC Annual Convention in Bangkok (Photos)
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Fri, 12 Dec 2025Halfway Point Surpassed at the 2025 USA Boxing National Championships
Fri, 12 Dec 2025