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:
Canadian World Cruiserweight Contender Ryan Rozicki returning to ring March 7th
Thu, 01 Jan 2026Lover Boy on hot streak
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 31 Dec 2025Silvano fights Gurung on January 13 in Hong Kong
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 31 Dec 2025GM Laylo faces tough competition in Caloocan rapid chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 31 Dec 2025GOLDEN BOY DELIVERS A LOADED UNDERCARD OF STAR PROSPECTS FOR ROCHA VS. CURIEL II
Wed, 31 Dec 2025Arca wins silver in Eastern Asian Juniors Chess Championships 2025
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 31 Dec 2025Donaire awaits WBA order
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 30 Dec 2025Anthony Joshua injured in car crash in Nigeria
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 30 Dec 2025Sampson Boxing Signs Red Hot Middleweight Vito Mielnicki Jr to Exclusive Promotional Contract
Tue, 30 Dec 2025Undefeated Carl Jammes Martin Plots Next Move as New Year Unfolds
Mon, 29 Dec 2025Alvin Gayeta Roma leads Mansa Engineering Consultancy Team B to rule New York Chess Academy Team Tournament; pockets P100,000
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 29 Dec 2025Llover, Casimero stop foes in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 28 Dec 2025Organizing Committee Meets for Dr. Eugene Torre Rapid Chess Tournament Honoring FIL-CHI’s Golden Anniversary
Sun, 28 Dec 2025KEYSHAWN DAVIS RETURNS ON THE RING 6 UNDERCARD AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN
Sun, 28 Dec 2025IM Datu captures 4th IIEE Chess SIKAT, Jeremy Marticio repeat champ for 5th mini-tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 27 Dec 2025