Mobile Home | Desktop Version




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:

  • Results from Panamà City
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 19 May 2025
  • Antonio Vargas Elevated to WBA World Bantamweight Champion
    Mon, 19 May 2025
  • CATTERALL AND EUBANK CLASH IN ALL-BRITISH WELTERWEIGHT SHOWDOWN IN MANCHESTER ON JULY 5 LIVE ON DAZN
    Sun, 18 May 2025
  • Jayson Mama Set to Challenge for IBO World Super Flyweight Title in Johannesburg
    Sat, 17 May 2025
  • Fisher vs Allen 2: Can Johnny Make Necessary Improvements?
    By Chris Carlson, Sat, 17 May 2025
  • Weights from Panamá City
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 17 May 2025
  • CRUZ LANDS IBF ELIMINATOR AGAINST MISHIRO IN NEW YORK
    Sat, 17 May 2025
  • Fisher and Allen Hit the Scales Ahead of Highly Anticipated Heavyweight Rematch
    Sat, 17 May 2025
  • Boxing: Sport Entertainment or Entertainment Sport (Part Two)
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 16 May 2025
  • NYC PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES: BERLANGA VS. SHEERAZ / SHAKUR STEVENSON VS. WILLIAM ZEPEDA
    Fri, 16 May 2025
  • HALL OF FAME TRAINER FREDDIE ROACH TO BE HONORED BY THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES IN PUBLIC CEREMONY AT FREDDIE'S GYM!
    Fri, 16 May 2025
  • HALL OF FAME BROADCASTER JIM LAMPLEY TO PARTICIPATE IN 2025 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND FESTIVITIES
    Fri, 16 May 2025
  • Minnesota, Indiana Back Again in the Eastern and Western Conference Finals
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 15 May 2025
  • In Jonathan’s memory
    By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 15 May 2025
  • WATCH: HITCHINS AND KAMBOSOS JR IN INTENSE FACE-OFF WITH ONE MONTH UNTIL NYC SHOWDOWN
    Thu, 15 May 2025