Melvin Jerusalem failed in his bid to dethrone Wanheng Menayothin of Thailand in their WBC minimumweight title fight yesterday afternoon in Phitsanulok.
Menayothin won by close scores of 115-113 and 114-113 ((twice) in the battle of undefeateds.
The Thai raises his record to 45-0, while the loss saw the Cebu-based Jerusalem absorb his first loss in 12 outings.
According to reports, Jerusalem was slapped a one-point deduction in the eighth round for a low blow.
Jerusalem put up a hot start and closed out fine but it was too late.
Jerusalem became the first Filipino fighter to figure in a world title fight this year.
This Sunday, Jerwin Ancajas will risk his IBF super-fly crown against Jose Alfredo Rodriguez of Mexico in Macau.