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:
PHILBOXING.COM WEEKEND ROUNDUP: News, Fallout, and the Long Shadow of Sydney
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Tue, 21 Jul 2026Joe Hand Promotions Secures Commercial Rights for Errol Spence Jr. vs. Tim Tszyu Showdown
Tue, 21 Jul 2026Grandy Twins Head to Tampa to Learn from Hall of Famers Antonio Tarver and Winky Wright Ahead of August 14 Homecoming Fight
Tue, 21 Jul 2026Matchroom Extends Brentwood Town Fc Partnership as Principle Partner for Next Five Years as Barry Hearn Obe Provides Significant Investment to Non-League Football Club
Tue, 21 Jul 2026IBA Pro announces departure of Director Al Siesta
Mon, 20 Jul 2026Suarez sends strong signal
By Joaquin Henson, Mon, 20 Jul 2026THE CORNER SHIFT: Can Ronnie Shields Rebuild Errol Spence Jr. After the Derrick James Fallout?
By T. Chin-Te, Mon, 20 Jul 2026Yusniel Abrahante Shocks Undefeated Luis Coria in Dominant Performance Live on ProBox TV
Sun, 19 Jul 2026Salamov stops Suarez as Borshchev beats Brito at historic IBA Bare Knuckle US debut
Sun, 19 Jul 2026Pichay re-elected NCFP prexy, eyes more GMs
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 19 Jul 2026Olympus Rising by TWC - Amateur MMA Fight on Saturday; live broadcast via Kalaro 3.0 Sports Super-app
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 19 Jul 2026Suarez Obliterates Avila in One-Round Blitz to Capture WBO International Crown (Photos)
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 19 Jul 2026Spence vs Tszyu, The Biggest Crossroad Fight Of 2026!
By Ralph Rimpell, Sun, 19 Jul 2026Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Blu Girls Power Past Host Peru, Finish World Cup Campaign on a High Note
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 19 Jul 2026Diego Pacheco and Immanuwel Aleem Tip Scales for Carson Showdown
Sat, 18 Jul 2026