LOSING isn't always the end. Sometimes losing can be a fighter's key for bigger things in the future.
Melvin Jersualem fought gallantly and just lost to the world's best 105-pounder, Wanheng Menayothin, by just a hairline in their recent World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight title fight in Phitsanulok, Thailand.
Jerusalem didn't lose fans with that defeat, instead he gained a huge following.
"A lot of people were impressed, a lot of them also believed Melvin won. It's flattering for our side because we had a positive response and a lot of people felt that he won it," ALA Gym head trainer Edito Villamor told SunStar Cebu.
If it weren't for a point deduction, Jerusalem would have forced a draw with Wanheng.
Jerusalem earned a lot of fans and it included some of the fans watching both in the venue and on Facebook, Wanheng's promoter Piyarat Vachirattanawong and also Wanheng himself.
"Piyarat wanted to sign him in his promotions after the fight," said Villamor.
"Wanheng was shaking his head and told me that Melvin was a strong fighter," said Domingo.
Domingo, who's Jerusalem's head coach, saw something special in the young Bukidnon native and it was validated with the Wanheng fight.
"When his father died, he had no practice but still he came here and fought because that was his father's wish. I saw his determination, I saw that he really loves boxing," he said.
Jerusalem is thankful to God , his handlers and is coaches for the opportunity to fight for a world title.
"Even though I lost, I have no regrets because I gave it my all. I didn't knock him out and I knew that if I won't knock him out that I would lose," he said.
He, however, wants another crack at Wanheng. And this time he believes he will beat him.
"I would like to fight him again if given a chance for a rematch. I will try harder and train harder this time," he said.
Villamor has high hopes for Jerusalem. He believes this young fighter will make it big in the sport and could possibly pack venues as a main event fighter.
"He has fought for a world title. We can say that he is tested. He has also spar with world champions like Donnie (Nietes), (Merlito) Sabillo and Milan (Melindo). He has also beaten a world champion in (Florante) Condes. So we believe that he is in that level."