By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
The Philippines is back on the world boxing map – thanks to Melvin Jesuralem.
Jerusalem, armed with a tornado-like right hand, stopped Japanese Masataka Taniguchi in the second round to capture the WBO Minimumweight title Friday night, Jan. 6, at the EDION Arena in Osaka, Japan.
The defending champion was aggressive early on but Jerusalem proved to be the wiser and stronger fighter, taking his own time to deliver the killer blow – a straight right that knocked out the Japanese to the disappointment of the crowd.
Jerusalem’s swift win brought so much joy and pride to his camp they rushed to his side to share his historic conquest in the Land of the Rising Sun.
That could also be the start of his rise as the next big thing in Philippine boxing.
Last year, the country’s image was badly hurt when five Filipinos lost their world titles.
But with Jerusalem’s win, the fear factor for Filipino boxers would be restored.
So powerful was Jerusalem’s punch that Taniguchi wobbled as he tried to stand, but Puerto Rican referee Roberto Ramirez immediately halted the fight, as the Japanese was deemed not fit to resume.
“This victory is for the Philippines and for my family,” a tearful Jerusalem said.
“This also goes out to my Zip-Sanman team. Of course, I am thankful to my coach Michael Domingo, who worked hard with me during training camp. I will not stop training hard after this.”
Team Zip-Sanman, led by Jim Claude Manangquil, Mhavic Kamiyama and Nobuyuki Matsuira, as well as Domingo climbed to the ring to join Melvin’s celebration.
Jerusalem’s victory improved his record to 20-2 with 11 KOs. Taniguchi, meanwhile, fell to 16-4 (11 KOs).
