MELVIN Jerusalem is currently ranked No. 1 in World Boxing Council’s (WBC) minimumweight division. He hopes to get his rematch with unbeaten WBC minimumweight king Wanheng Menayothin this year.
“I think he still has his voluntary defense before he’s going to have his mandatory title defense,” Jerusalem told SunStar Cebu.
The 25-year-old Bukidnon native challenged Menayothin for his title in 2017. He lost by a closely-contested unanimous decision against the Thai veteran.
After losing to Menayothin, Jerusalem lost to fellow prospect Joey Canoy by unanimous decision for back-to-back defeats. It seemed as if his career was in limbo, but Jerusalem overcame adversity and won his next four contests. He beat Jestoni Racoma, Philip Luis Cuerdo, world-rated Toto Landero and Reymark Taday.
If the rematch with Menayothin comes, Jerusalem believes that it will be different.
“I will do everything to win because I’m eager to avenge my loss to him,” he said.
Jerusalem is also ranked in two other world boxing sanctioning bodies—No. 5 in the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and No. 6 in the World Boxing Organization (WBO).
Jerusalem has 15 wins two losses and nine knockouts.
The 34-year-old Menayothin is arguably the best 105-pounder in the world. He has successfully defended his belt 12 times since winning the belt back in 2014 against Oswaldo Novoa.
Menayothin has an impressive 54-0 record. (EKA)