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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Boxing devider Mexican pug determined to dethrone WBC champ Jerusalem

Mexican pug determined to dethrone WBC champ Jerusalem

Published Sep 19, 2024 07:38 am

At A Glance

  • Filipino champion Melvin Jerusalem faces a stern test against the undefeated Castillo Sunday, Sept. 22, at the Mandaluyong City College Gym.

On a foreign soil but never lacking the confidence, challenger Luis Castillo wants to silence the home crowd and carry with him the World Boxing Council minimumweight belt when he returns to Mexico.

But that is easier said than done.

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Mexican challenger Luis Castillo, left, and reigning WBC minimumweight champion Melvin Jerusalem, right, clash in a 12-round title bout Sunday, Sept. 22, at the Mandaluyong City College Gym. (Wendell Alinea)

Filipino champion Melvin Jerusalem faces a stern test against the undefeated Castillo Sunday, Sept. 22, at the Mandaluyong City College Gym.

The pride of Bukidnon, who carries a 22-3-0 card with 12 victories off knockouts, is up for his first title defense of the belt he won against a Japanese last march. He vowed to keep the crown and never embarrass his Filipino fans.

“Last fight ko sobrang sakit no’n kasi pinaghirapan namin ‘yong title na ‘yon pero ngayon sobrang laki ng kaibahan talaga, kasi nandito ako ngayon ‘yong nakaraan nasa Pilipinas,” said Jerusalem during the pre-fight press conference presented by Manny Pacquiao's MP Promotions at the Manila Hotel Thursday afternoon, Sept. 19.

“Sabi ko handa akong itaya ang sarili ko para sa bayan at ipanalo ang laban dahil naniniwala ako na hindi ako pababayaan ng Panginoon," he added.

While it is a tough assignment for Castillo, the 27-year-old southpaw slugger who has a perfect record in 21 matches couldn't be more excited to make his countrymen proud and score a convincing win in another chapter of the rich Philippines-Mexico boxing history.

“We come here ready, and we’re really ready to take the title and bring it home to Mexico,” said Castillo through a translator.

When Castillo was asked about the flock of Filipino fans who are expected to support Jerusalem, the challenger isn't bothered at all.

For him, it is an added fire for his aspiration.

“The crowd will give me extra motivation, it energizes me more, so it doesn’t matter," he said.

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