Melvin Jerusalem ready for WBC title defense in Japan

Melvin Jerusalem is in excellent shape as he prepares for his title defense against Yudai Shigeoka in Japan. The World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight champion weighed in at 107 pounds during a mandatory pre-fight weigh-in. Just a few weeks ago, he was slightly over the limit at 110 pounds. The 30-year-old champion has been training hard at the Elorde Boxing Gym in Manila. He plans to fly to Japan on March 23 for pre-bout activities ahead of the fight. Jerusalem recently received recognition as “Co-Boxer of the Year” at the “2nd Pacquiao-Elorde Boxing Awards.” His coach, Michael Domingo, was named “Trainer of the Year,” boosting Jerusalem's confidence. Jerusalem also had a memorable encounter with boxing legend Manny Pacquiao at the awards ceremony. Pacquiao gave him advice and shared a heartfelt prayer, which Jerusalem found very motivating. He expressed gratitude for the experience but kept the details of the advice private. Jerusalem holds a record of 23 wins and 3 losses, with 12 knockouts. He is determined to prove that his earlier victory over Shigeoka was not a fluke, as he knocked Shigeoka down twice in their last match. However, the decision was controversial, with judges awarding Jerusalem a split decision win.