BY BOXING HIT STAFF-
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Melvin Jerusalem successfully defended his WBC 105-pound title today in Mandaluyong, Philippines. Facing an undefeated opponent, the taller Mexican fighter Luis Castillo, Jerusalem showcased his boxing prowess in a contest that highlighted his superior technique. With judges scoring the bout decisively at 120-107, 120-107, and 118-109, the outcome was hardly in doubt.
Jerusalem, standing at only 5’2″, initiated the bout with ferocity, knocking Castillo down with a solid right hand in the opening round. This early setback set the tone for the fight: Castillo, who towers over Jerusalem at 5’6″, was unable to find his rhythm and struggled to respond effectively throughout the match. As the bout progressed, it became clear that Jerusalem’s agility and speed made him the more effective fighter, allowing him to weave in and out of Castillo’s reach while landing significant combinations.
Despite the ongoing barrage of punches, Castillo managed to stay on his feet, showcasing his tenacity and durability. However, the reality was that Jerusalem was in a league of his own, dominating the exchanges and consistently landing powerful shots. Castillo’s much-anticipated step up in competition proved challenging, revealing the significant gap between expectations and reality. At the post-fight press conference, Jerusalem acknowledged Castillo’s toughness, stating, “I wanted to knock him out, but he was tough, and he would not quit.” This sentiment underscores the respect that elite fighters have for their opponents, regardless of the outcome.
Today’s fight was significant not only for Jerusalem but also for the Philippine boxing scene. This marked the first world title fight held in the Philippines since 2016, an event that sparked excitement among local fans eager to witness their champion shine on home turf. Competing in front of a passionate audience added an extra layer of motivation for Jerusalem, who expressed immense pride in defending his title at home.
The card also showcased former bantamweight champion Jerwin Ancajas, who secured a fifth-round disqualification victory over Sukpraserd Ponpitak. Ancajas, recovering from a previous loss, improved his record to 35-4-2 as he sought to reclaim his place in the competitive boxing landscape. Such performances on the same card as Jerusalem’s title fight signal a reinvigorated era for Filipino boxing, with emerging talents ready to take on the world stage.
Jerusalem’s triumph is not merely a personal victory but a testament to the resurgence of boxing in the Philippines. His commanding performance against Castillo solidifies his status as a leading figure in the sport and sets the stage for potential future showdowns. As the dust settles from this electrifying event, fans and fighters alike will undoubtedly look forward to more exhilarating moments in the vibrant and storied history of Philippine boxing.
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