MANILA, Philippines — Melvin Jerusalem proved he’s a champion for a reason, dominating Mexican challenger Luis Angel Castillo to successfully defend his WBC minimumweight title in a thrilling bout on Sunday at Mandaluyong City College. The Filipino fighter won by unanimous decision, with scores of 118-109 and 120-107 on two cards, showcasing his skills in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
In the lead-up to the fight, Castillo confidently predicted he would knock out Jerusalem, telling him to savor his final days as champion. But Jerusalem, a man of few words, let his fists do the talking. He made an explosive start, dropping Castillo with a straight right hand in the first round, setting the tone for the rest of the match.
Throughout the fight, Jerusalem (23-3, 12 KOs) displayed exceptional boxing technique, countering Castillo’s aggression with swift combinations. Despite Castillo’s relentless determination, he struggled to match Jerusalem’s speed and precision. “I tried to knock him out, but he just wouldn’t give up. He is a Mexican fighter, and there’s a reason why he is undefeated,” Jerusalem commented after the fight, acknowledging Castillo’s toughness.
This matchup marked Jerusalem’s first title defense on home soil since reclaiming the WBC title in March against Japan’s Yudai Shigeoka. The significance of this victory resonates deeply, especially as it adds to the storied rivalry between Filipino and Mexican boxers. Jerusalem’s performance revitalized memories of past legendary bouts, making this fight a must-see event.
Jerusalem’s strategy involved using his speed to flurry Castillo (21-1-1, 13 KOs), who struggled to find his rhythm. By the tenth round, Jerusalem was pushing for a knockout, landing powerful right hands that repeatedly backed Castillo into the ropes. Though Castillo managed to survive until the final bell, it was clear he was outclassed in this high-stakes showdown.
The event, part of Manny Pacquiao’s “Blow-by-Blow” series, marked the first world title fight in the Philippines since Jerwin Ancajas defended his IBF title in 2016, further elevating the excitement for local boxing fans.
In addition to the main event, former titleholder Jerwin Ancajas also made headlines with a victory over Sukpraserd Ponpitak by disqualification, marking a comeback after a challenging period in the ring.
Jerusalem’s decisive win solidifies his status as one of the top fighters in the 105-pound division, currently ranked No. 4 by The Ring. With this impressive defense, he continues to build on his legacy, proving that he’s a champion who isn’t just holding onto a title, but one who intends to keep it for the long haul. Fans are now eagerly anticipating his next move as the boxing world buzzes with excitement for what’s to come.
