Jerusalem dominates Shigeoka in rematch, keeps world crown

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Mevlin Jerusalem defends his WBC minimumweight title against Japan's Yudai Shigeoka as the Filipino posts a dominant win in their rematch

MANILA, Philippines – There was no knockout, only a convincing, unanimous decision win by Melvin Jerusalem over Yudai Shigeoka in their rematch for the World Boxing Council minimumweight crown on Sunday, March 30, at the Aichi Sky Dome in Tokoname City, Japan.

Proving that his split decision against Shigeoka last year was no fluke, Jerusalem controlled the 12-rounder throughout, leaving the judges no option but to hand the 105-pound crown back to the Filipino champion with lopsided scores of 118-110, 119-109 and 116-112.

Reaping the benefits of rigorous physical conditioning and training under chief trainer Michael Domingo, Jerusalem was fast on his feet and accurate with his right straights, which Shigeoka couldn’t counter.

Shunning the betting odds favoring Shigeoka, Jerusalem — the pride of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon — showed that he has the Japanese southpaw all figured out from the opening bell.

Although he was gunning for a knockout, Jerusalem told sportswriters before he left for Japan on March 23 that an overwhelming victory wouldn’t be bad either.

Jerusalem did just that and raised his record to 24-3 with 12 knockouts. Shigeoka fell to 9-2 with 5 knockouts.

JC Manangquil, Jerusalem’s promoter, promised his ward an even bigger fight this year if he gets past Shigeoka.

It could be a unification with World Boxing Organization and World Boxing Association champion Oscar Collazo, who dethroned Jerusalem as WBO minimumweight champion in 2023.

Jerusalem still feels comfortable at 105 pounds, even checking in a pound lighter during the official weigh-in on Saturday. – Rappler.com