Melvin Jerusalem ‘super sharp’ ahead of WBC title defense

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Though confident of keeping the title, Melvin Jerusalem is far from complacent when the champion Filipino boxer battles Japanese Yudai Shigeoka anew

MANILA, Philippines – Melvin Jerusalem provided a glimpse of what he’s going to do against Yudai Shigeoka in his WBC title defense in Takoname, Japan next weekend.

He was fast, furious and focused with his moves in his recent send-off media workout at the Elite Boxing Gym in BGC, Taguig.

No wonder, his coach, Michael Domingo was satisfied with what he saw.

In less than two hours, Jerusalem compressed and showcased the result of one month of conditioning and preparation in Japan and six weeks of training camp in Cebu City.

Wiping off perspiration in his forehead, Jerusalem declared: “OK na. I’m 100 percent ready.”

Domingo was a bit more reserved, saying his ward “is fast approaching 100 percent,” which is perfect considering that Jerusalem’s rematch with Shigeoka for the WBC minimumweight championship will happen in a week at the Aichi Sky Expo on March 30.

Though confident of keeping the title he took from Shigeoka, Jerusalem is far from complacent.

He knows that if he doesn’t knock out Shigeoka or win overwhelmingly, the judges could sway their decision.

That’s why, apart from his usual array of punches, Jerusalem is honing his left hook and hoping to catch Shigeoka by surprise.

Jerusalem believes he has Shigeoka all figured out.

“Nakalaban ko na siya sa ibabaw ng ring kaya alam ko na yung technique niya, yung style niya, at kahinaan niya (We already battled inside the ring, so I know his techniques, his style, and his weakness),” said Jerusalem, who feels that Shigeoka intends to pressure him.

If that happens, Jerusalem promises that the Japanese would pay dearly.

According to Domingo, Jerusalem would go for the kill relentlessly if the opportunity came, adding that his ward could go after Shigeoka’s body and then shift to the head once the defense opens up.

To prepare for Shigeoka, Jerusalem has sparred with many Cebuano southpaws and has also traded leathers with world title contender Christian Araneta.

JC Manangquil, Jerusalem’s promoter and manager, praised Jerusalem and Domingo for their extensive preparations.

“[Jerusalem is] super sharp,” said Manangquil, “No more problem really as he’s just a few pounds off the 105 limit.”

Jerusalem said he weighed 109 pounds after Thursday’s light workout, causing Domingo to flash a grin.

They’re right on target. – Rappler.com