Philippines boxing star and current World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight champion, Melvin Jerusalem, is gearing up for a major fight as he prepares to defend his title against Mexican contender Luis Castillo on September 22. This event is particularly significant as it marks Jerusalem's first title defense on home soil, a momentous occasion for the Filipino boxing community and fans across the nation.
Official: Melvin Jerusalem will defend his WBC Minimumweight title against Luis Castillo this September 22 in Mandaluyong City College, Mandaluyong. The fight will be the main event of blow by blow event.#powcast #boxing
— Powcast Sports (@POWCASTSPORTS) September 2, 2024
-admin win pic.twitter.com/jhTqHe5hKQ
Manny Pacquiao MP Promotions, the largest boxing promotion in the Philippines, confirmed that they will be organizing this highly anticipated event for the 30-year-old champion. The fight is set to take place on Sunday, September 22, at the Mandaluyong City College Gymnasium in Metro Manila, a venue steeped in boxing history and ready to host a world title bout that promises to be a thrilling spectacle.
This bout also marks a historic moment for “Manny Pacquiao Presents: Blow-By-Blow,” as it will be the first time that a world title fight will be featured on the card. Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao expressed his excitement about the event, emphasizing the significance of having a world title fight in the Philippines and showcasing a Filipino champion in front of his fellow countrymen.
“This is a fulfillment of our plan when we revived Blow-By-Blow almost two years ago, seeing a Filipino figure in a world title fight right before his countrymen," Pacquiao said during a press conference. "I am also grateful that the City of Mandaluyong, the city where I fought countless fights that made me a household name in the 1990s, has offered its venue to host the WBC championship bout and undercard fights.”
Melvin Jerusalem captured the WBC minimumweight belt after a hard-fought victory over former champion Japanese Yudai Shigeoka in Tokyo, Japan, on March 31. The fight ended in a split decision, but it was enough to crown Jerusalem as the new WBC champion. Previously, Jerusalem held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) minimumweight title, which he lost to Puerto Rico’s Oscar Collazo at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California, on May 28.
Jerusalem's upcoming opponent, Luis Castillo, poses a formidable challenge. Castillo boasts an impressive 21-0-1 record, including 13 knockouts. The Mexican boxer is on a 15-fight winning streak, with nine of those wins coming by knockout since his last draw in 2017. However, Castillo has been relatively inactive in recent years, with his last fight occurring in November when he secured a unanimous decision victory over Miguel Angel Herrera.
This fight will be particularly special for Jerusalem as it marks the first time he will be fighting on home soil in his professional career. The Filipino champion is eager to put on a memorable performance for his fans and bring home a victory. “I am very happy that I will defend my WBC belt right here in my hometown,” Jerusalem shared. “I will do my best to defend the belt, and I will give a good fight in the ring. We have a game plan for my opponent already. He is a good and tall boxer, but that’s no problem because I know how to adjust in the fight. We are preparing for this fight for how many months, and I will give all my best to this fight to defend my WBC belt.”
The event is also noteworthy because world title fights in the Philippines are a rare occurrence. The last world title fight to take place in the country was in February 2022, when Pedro Taduran faced Rene Mark Cuarto for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) strawweight title. However, the match was held without an audience due to COVID-19 restrictions. Prior to that, the most recent title fight on Philippine soil was in 2018, when Randy Petalcorin and Felix Alvarado competed for the vacant IBF junior flyweight title.
Mandaluyong City College Gymnasium is set to be packed with enthusiastic fans, creating an electrifying atmosphere as Jerusalem defends his title. The bout not only represents a pivotal moment in Jerusalem’s career but also underscores the vibrant boxing culture in the Philippines, fueled by the legacy of champions like Manny Pacquiao.
Pacquiao’s influence in the sport is undeniable, and his commitment to promoting boxing in the Philippines ensures that events like these continue to inspire the next generation of Filipino fighters. The inclusion of a world title fight on “Manny Pacquiao Presents: Blow-By-Blow” elevates the program’s prestige and highlights the potential for future champions to emerge from the Philippines.
As fans eagerly anticipate this showdown between Jerusalem and Castillo, all eyes will be on the Mandaluyong City College Gymnasium come September 22. This fight not only serves as a platform for Jerusalem to solidify his status as a world champion but also as a celebration of Filipino boxing prowess on the global stage.
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