Jerusalem to prove win over Shigeoka no fluke

DETERMINED to prove that his split decision win over Japanese Yudai Shigeoka last year is no fluke, Filipino boxer Melvin Jeru-salem aims for a convincing win in their rematch at the Aichi Sky Expo in Tokoname, Japan, on March 30.

Jerusalem's World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight belt is at stake in this bout.

"I'm confident in winning this fight because I prepared and trained hard for it. I am aiming for a knockout or an impressive win," said Jerusalem to The Manila Times.

Jerusalem, who sports a 23-3 win-loss card, added that he sees this rematch against Shigeoka as a launchpad for bigger fights in the future with a goal of landing another world title fight.

"I'm looking forward to this fight on March 30, and I consider it as a stepping stone to much bigger fights with the ultimate goal of landing another world title fight."

Hailing from Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon, the 31-year-old Jerusalem is on a three-fight winning run.

The 5-foot-2 pugilist started that streak with a unanimous decision win over compatriot Francis Jay Diaz on Oct. 29, 2023, be-fore dethroning Shigeoka on March 31 last year.

Jerusalem, whose first world title was a World Boxing Association (WBA) variety of the 105-pound division, then defended his WBC belt through a unanimous decision triumph over Mexican Luis Castillo on Sept. 22 in Mandaluyong.

Jerusalem thus far is gaining mastery over Japanese boxers — a thing that has been opposite for his fellow Filipino pugilists in recent years — as he claimed his WBA belt at the expense of Masataka Taniguchi in January 2023.

Meanwhile, the 27-year-old Shigeoka last saw action in a unanimous decision win over Pinoy pug Samuel Salva on Aug. 24 last year, rebounding from his loss to Jerusalem — the only man who defeated him through 10 bouts in his professional career.