In a thrilling boxing event held today in Mandaluyong, Philippines, Melvin Jerusalem successfully defended his WBC 105-pound title, showcasing why he is a force to be reckoned with in the ring. Stepping into the arena as the reigning champion, Jerusalem faced off against Luis Castillo, an unbeaten challenger hailing from Mexico. The fight not only lived up to expectations but demonstrated Jerusalem’s mastery as he delivered an overwhelming performance, clinching victory with unanimous scores of 120-107, 120-107, and 118-109.
From the opening bell, it became clear that Jerusalem was in command. The 30-year-old fighter, standing at a compact 5’2”, unleashed a powerful right hook that sent the 5’6” Castillo to the canvas within the first round. This early knockdown set the tone for the remainder of the bout, where Jerusalem remained aggressive and focused, minimizing any chances for Castillo to regroup or mount a comeback. Despite Castillo’s imposing height and unbeaten record, he found himself outmaneuvered and outspeeded throughout the fight, illustrating the disparities in skill and strategy.
Jerusalem’s performance was nothing short of tactical brilliance. His ability to land quick combinations while evading Castillo’s counter-attacks demonstrated a level of skill befitting a champion. The Mexican challenger, who was participating in his first fight outside his home country, struggled to find his rhythm, often appearing sluggish against his quick-footed opponent. The overwhelming accuracy and speed of Jerusalem’s punches kept Castillo on the defensive for the majority of the match. Though Castillo showed tenacity and resilience—managing to last the full twelve rounds—the cumulative damage he absorbed was significant, reflecting his lack of success in the exchanges.
Following the fight, Jerusalem expressed respect for Castillo, acknowledging the challenger’s toughness. “I wanted to knock him out,” Jerusalem stated. “But he was tough, and he would not quit.” This sentiment not only showcased Jerusalem’s sportsmanship but also served to highlight the relentless spirit of boxers who dare to challenge for titles against the odds. Castilla, despite enduring a hard-fought battle, saw his record fall to 21-1-1, illustrating the thin line between success and defeat at the championship level.
Mandaluyong’s arena buzzed with excitement, as this event marked the first world title fight held in the Philippines since 2016. Jerusalem’s victory, alongside a notable fifth-round DQ win by former bantamweight champion Jerwin Ancajas on the same card, rekindles hope for the resurgence of boxing in the Philippines—historically rich in fight culture and enthusiasm. As Jerusalem continues to build upon his career after his only previous setback against Oscar Collazo, he stands as a testament to perseverance and skill, heralding a promising future for himself and his fans alike.