Mexican pugilist Luis Angelo Castillo threw the first jab but can he walk the talk? Or will WBC minimumweight champion Melvin Jerusalem silence the undefeated challenger on September 22?
Undefeated Mexican challenger Luis Angel Castillo is in hostile territory, right in the Philippines. But he wasn't afraid to fire the first shot against Filipino WBC minimumweight champion Melvin Jerusalem.
“I know this is going to be a tough fight, but I know we will emerge victorious. And I want to tell the champion here that he should enjoy his days as a world champion,” warned Castillo, through an interpreter, during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum held at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Tuesday.
Castillo and Jerusalem will slug it out for the 105-lbs championship belt on Sunday, September 22 at the Mandaluyong City College gymnasium.
The reigning champion, in response, said he would rather let his actions do the talking.
“Mag-enjoy din siya dito sa Pilipinas at salamat nakarating siya dito. Tingnan na lang natin sa laban,” Jerusalem said.
It will be the first title defense for the Filipino pugilist, who claimed the crown via split decision against former champion Yudai Shigeoka in Nagoya, Japan last March.
Michael Domingo, Jerusalem’s trainer, admitted it will be a tough outing for his fighter but they remained confident that the native of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon will overcome Castillo’s challenge.
“Pagka-champion pa lang ni Melvin alam na namin na siya (Castillo) yung mandatory. Kaya nag-ready na kami,” said Domingo.
“Kaunting bakasyon muna, tapos nag-start na kami ng training, Nagawa naman namin ng maayos lahat sa training, kaya ngayon ready na kami sa laban.”
Jerusalem is holding a 22-3 win-loss record with 12 KOs, having won his last two bouts.
This is Jerusalem's second time world title. He lost the WBO world minimumweight belt to USA's Oscar Collazo back in May 2023, after judges ruled he could not continue after Round 7.
His upcoming opponent is undefeated with a record of 21-0-1 with 13 KOs. It will be Castillo's his first shot at a world title.
The 27-year-old challenger, together with his trainer Eduardo Montiel, vowed to go all-out despite being in enemy territory for the first time in Castillo’s career.
“It’s going to be tough, but we’re coming 100 percent prepared for the fight,” Castillo assured.
“We’re coming ready. We’re very proud to fight him and be here in the Philippines,” Montiel spoke.