The country’s only reigning boxing world champion couldn’t contain his excitement as he was presented with the newly minted WBO light flyweight title belt by WBO Asia Pacific head honcho Leon Panuncillo in front of Cebu’s sports media last week.

Melvin Jerusalem confessed he had been pining for the chance to finally claim it and was pleasantly surprised when he realized that it was during that press conference where his wish would finally come true.

CHAMP. Asked by this Last Rounder how he felt to finally be a world champion and whether he was surprised at how easy the final test was considering the hard road he had to navigate leading up to it, Melvin admitted that he too couldn’t believe how easy it was.

True enough, it took him only two rounds to dethrone Masataka Taniguchi, the pre-fight favorite.

Melvin later confided that he was able to parry the jab fired off by the Japanese champion which opened Taniguchi up for that sweet but lethal right hand.

ZIP SANMAN. Make way for Zip Sanman Boxing, the newest player in the local boxing scene. Marivic Matsuura who manages Jerusalem also announced that they have taken under their fold several fighters who used to be under the tutelage of ALA Boxing.

Working in tandem with Mastuura is the indefatigable JC Manangquil who promotes Jerusalem and they are excited to make strides in Cebu’s tough boxing circuit.

More good news for weekend warriors: they plan to make the gym open to the public and the best part is that it will be open 24 hours so night owls like you and me can still get a few licks in anytime you feel like you need to let off some steam.

VERBATIM. “Murag natapi nako gamay and jab.” (I was able to partially parry the jab) - Melvin Jerusalem (when asked how he was able to land that right hand that knocked out Taniguchi).

LAST ROUND. It’s on my kumpare and childhood homie, lawyer Ricardo “Bambi” Rebollido who is in town to celebrate his 64th birthday. Cheers!