At A Glance
- Melvin Jerusalem eyes a unification bout against Puerto Rican star Oscar Collazo after the Filipino champion defeated South African Siyakholwa Kuse to retain his World Boxing Council minimumweight title last Thursday, Oct. 30.
Melvin Jerusalem eyes unification bout in the future. (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
Melvin Jerusalem eyes a unification bout against Puerto Rican star Oscar Collazo after the Filipino champion defeated South African Siyakholwa Kuse to retain his World Boxing Council minimumweight title last Thursday, Oct. 30.
Jerusalem, who scored a unanimous decision win over Kuse at Big Dome in the main event of "Thrilla in Manila 2", seeks to challenge Collazo, holder of the World Boxing Association, World Boxing Organization, and The Ring magazine belts of the same class.
The Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon native improved his record to 25 wins against three losses. Securing a fight versus Collazo (13-0) could be the biggest match of his career.
“Si Collazo talaga ang target kong makalaban,” said Jerusalem.
Interestingly, Pedro Taduran Jr., who recently defended his International Boxing Federation (IBF) strap in a similar fashion over compatriot Christian Balunan last weekend, also wants to arrange a duel against the Puerto Rican.
Jerusalem is open to the idea of an all-Filipino title showdown, but not in the near future.
“Lalabanan ko sya, pero wag muna,” said Jerusalem. “Oo [sa huli kami mag-kita].”
“Kung ‘di pwede, si champ Jerusalem, okay laban. Kahit saan, kahit kailan, kung may pagkakataon na bigyan ako ng laban for unification kasa ako," said Taduran in a separate interview.