1 week Ago By Roy Luarca
MANILA, Philippines – Melvin Jerusalem flaunted ring craftsmanship in beating Luis Castillo and keeping the World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight belt on Sunday, September 22, in Manny Pacquiao Presents: Blow by Blow at the packed Mandaluyong City College Gym. Dominant from the opening bell when he knocked down the Mexican with a right to the chin, Jerusalem won by lopsided unanimous decision, 120-107 twice and 118-109, in his first title defense. In the second round, Jerusalem landed four rights in succession to stagger the Mexican, who was saved by the bell.
Jerusalem continued his assault in the third, sneaking in crisp rights and a left as well. Jerusalem shifted his focus on the body in the fourth, where the Mexican landed one of his few solid lefts. Well in control, Jerusalem did some showboating in the sixth and 12th and last round.
The 30-year-old Jerusalem raised his record to 22-3 with 12 knockouts. Castillo, on the other hand, tasted his first defeat after 21 wins and a draw with 13 knockouts. Jerusalem thus lived up to his promise that he would keep the 105-pound crown before his countrymen.
“I didn’t press for a knockout because he’s also strong,” said Jerusalem. Sanman Promotions head JC Manangquil said they will try to arrange a unification bout for Jerusalem early next year. – Rappler.
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