Filipino boxer Melvin Jerusalem receives a hero’s welcome upon returning home after clinching the WBC world minimumweight title in a thrilling match against Japan's Yudai Shigeoka in Nagoya, Japan.
A hero’s welcome was given to Filipino boxer Melvin Jerusalem after bringing home the WBC world minimumweight title.
As the 28-year-old Filipino boxer touched down on home soil at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Monday afternoon, Jerusalem was greeted with a warm welcome, with fans, supporters, and the media flocking to celebrate his huge achievement.
“Matagal ko nang pangarap kasi ito 'yung pinaka-magandang belt na nakita ko sa apat na major belts. [Itong] WBC kasi nandito lahat ng countries. Sobrang ganda tignan kaya pinangarap ko 'to pero ang unang binigay sa akin muna WBO,” Jerusalem told reporters.
Along with the belt, Jerusalem also received a cash incentive for his victory which he will plans on using for his family.
“Maliit lang 'yung prize pero meron na, bigay sa atin eh. Ipangtutulong [ko] sa pamilya, tapos pampaayos ng bahay at lupa,” said Jerusalem.
On Sunday, Jerusalem marked the end of the country's world title drought in boxing after his remarkable victory over Japan's Yudai Shigeoka in a thrilling match at the International Conference Hall in Nagoya, Japan.
In a closely-contested bout, Jerusalem showcased his skill and resilience, knocking down Shigeoka twice, once in the third and again in the sixth round.
The judges' decision reflected the intensity of the match, with two judges scoring identical 114-112 cards in favor of Jerusalem, leading to his victory by split decision.
This triumph marks Jerusalem's second world championship, following his brief reign as the WBO minimumweight champion last year.
Prior to Jerusalem's victory, Marlon Tapales stood as the lone Filipino world titlist, until he relinquished his WBA and IBF crowns to Naoya Inoue in their Super Bantamweight unification match last December.
(With reports from Maureen Muarip/One Sports Digital)