Melvin Jerusalem. | CDN file photograph
CEBU CITY, Philippines — With only a week left earlier than his extremely anticipated rematch, reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) world minimumweight champion Melvin “Gringo” Jerusalem is in tip-top form as he prepares to defend his title in opposition to Yudai Shigeoka in Japan.
Jerusalem weighed in at 107 kilos in the course of the second obligatory pre-fight weigh-in required by the WBC, exhibiting exceptional self-discipline in managing his weight. Throughout his preliminary weigh-in in Cebu, he registered at 110 kilos—simply barely over the 105-pound restrict for the minimumweight division.
The 30-year-old champion, who trains below the ZIP Sanman Boxing banner in Cebu, has been sharpening his arsenal on the Elorde Boxing Fitness center in Manila. He’s set to fly to Japan on Sunday, March 23, to affix the battle week pre-bout actions.
READ: Boxing: Jerusalem greater than prepared in rematch with Shigeoka
‘Co-Boxer of the 12 months’
Including gas to his motivation, Jerusalem was lately honored because the “Co-Boxer of the 12 months” alongside IBF world minimumweight champion Pedro Taduran on the “2nd Pacquiao-Elorde Boxing Awards” held in Manila final Thursday.
His longtime coach, Michael Domingo, was additionally acknowledged because the “Coach of the 12 months,” additional boosting Jerusalem’s confidence heading into his title protection.
READ: Jerusalem clears preliminary WBC weigh-in for Shigeoka rematch
Melvin Jerusalem receives phrases of knowledge from Manny Pacquiao in the course of the 2nd Pacquiao-Elorde Boxing Awards. | Display screen seize from Jerusalem’s video
What makes this journey much more inspiring is Jerusalem’s transient however impactful encounter with Filipino boxing icon and eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao in the course of the awards night time. Pacquiao not solely imparted priceless tricks to the younger champion but additionally provided a heartfelt prayer over him—a gesture that left Jerusalem feeling each blessed and motivated.
“I’m very grateful for the recommendation and for the prospect to share that second with Sir Manny,” mentioned Jerusalem, although he saved the main points of Pacquiao’s suggestions a secret between them.
READ: Jerusalem begins coaching camp in Cebu for world title protection
Jerusalem (23-3, 12 KOs) is keen to show that his victory over Shigeoka of their first encounter final March was no fluke.
Regardless of flooring Shigeoka twice in that bout, the choice was met with controversy after the judges dominated it a break up choice in favor of Jerusalem.
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