Today marked a significant milestone for Melvin Jerusalem, the reigning WBC World Minimum Weight champion, as he successfully defended his title against undefeated contender Luis Castillo in Mandaluyong, Philippines. With a display of clever tactics and elite boxing skills, Jerusalem asserted his dominance over Castillo, leading the judges to score the fight 120-107, 120-107, and 118-109, underscoring the disparity between the two fighters. Jerusalem, standing at just 5’2″, displayed the heart of a warrior against Castillo, who was notably taller at 5’6″.
This match was particularly critical for Jerusalem, as he was coming off a career-defining moment — recovering from a defeat that saw him lose not just the fight but also his footing in the world of boxing. The fight against Castillo was his first title defense at home, adding to the high stakes. It was clear from the outset that the 30-year-old champion had come to prove a point and reclaim his glory in the boxing ring.
The energy was palpable as the fight commenced, with Jerusalem immediately establishing control. In an explosive first round, he connected with a powerful right hand that floored Castillo. This early knockdown not only showcased Jerusalem’s punching power but also set the pace for the remainder of the match. The Mexican challenger, making his first appearance outside of his home country and facing higher caliber competition, struggled to find his rhythm against the Philippine powerhouse.
Despite his best efforts, Castillo failed to implement any effective strategies, consistently finding himself on the defensive. Even when he made attempts to engage, Jerusalem countered with rapid-fire combinations that left Castillo reeling. The punch output and precision from Jerusalem demonstrated not just his physical superiority but also his mental fortitude.
As the rounds progressed, the gulf in skill became glaringly obvious. Jerusalem’s ability to evade punches and maintain distance frustrated Castillo, who resorted to reckless maneuvers in a bid to turn the tide. The bout eventually showcased an emotional crescendo where Castillo, despite absorbing a relentless barrage of punches, exhibited remarkable resilience by lasting the full twelve rounds. Post-fight, Jerusalem acknowledged his opponent’s toughness, noting, “I wanted to knock him out, but he was tough, and he would not quit.”
While Castillo deserves recognition for his grit, the match primarily served to highlight Jerusalem’s elite boxing acumen, which many anticipated would translate to an exciting contest. Instead, what unfolded was a masterclass in boxing from the champion, reinforcing his status as one of the premier fighters in the division.
The bout held additional significance as it occupied a historic slot as the first world title fight in the Philippines since 2016, headlined by one of the nation’s boxing legends, Manny Pacquiao. The event was further enriched by the presence of former bantamweight champion Jerwin Ancajas, who secured a victory against Sukpraserd Ponpitak via disqualification. Ancajas’s return to form was a positive note on an evening teeming with potential and excitement, promising an intriguing resurgence in Philippine boxing.
Through this performance, Melvin Jerusalem has not only solidified his title but also rekindled the fervor of boxing in the Philippines, reminding fans and competitors alike of the rich heritage of the sport in the nation.