MELVIN Jerusalem fell short in his bid to become a world champion last year, but that never stopped the 24-year-old from working his way back up for another shot at arguably the best 105-pounder in unbeaten World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight king Wanheng Menayothin.
Jerusalem, however, has to get through his latest hurdle, former world title contender Toto Landero, if he wants to earn his rematch with Menayothin.
“Right now, I think I’m back to my old self. I’m more dedicated in my training right now. I want to win this fight,” said Jerusalem.
Jerusalem headlines Idol 4 in a 10-round non-title fight against Landero on Nov. 10 at the Minganilla Sports Complex.
“Landero is a former world title contender. He’s a great fighter. This is a very good fight for Melvin to see where he’s at right now,” said ALA Promotions matchmaker Edito Villamor.
Jerusalem is currently ranked third in the WBC, No. 13 in the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and No. 15 in the International Boxing Federation (IBF). Landero, on the other hand, is rated No. 16 in the WBC. So a win by Jerusalem, could move him up in the rankings.
“I will do my best to become the No. 1 in my division and get my rematch,” said Jerusalem.
After losing a close unanimous decision to Menayothin, Jerusalem dropped another unanimous decision against Joey Canoy. But after that, he has won back-to-back against Jestoni Racoma and Philip Luis Cuerdo, whom he stopped in eight rounds.
“We have developed his timing. He has the power. I’ve felt it on the mitts, but he has to have timing to be able to use it,” said ALA Gym trainer Michael Domingo. “I’ve talked with him and told him that he needs to have confidence in training and not become too complacent in a fight. I told him that I want him to give his all in training, and that’s what he did.”
The 22-year-old Landero has lost his last two contests both by unanimous decision against WBA minimumweight champion Knockout CP Freshmart and International Boxing Organization (IBO) minimumweight titleholder Shimphiwe Khonco. RSC