By MARK REY MONTEJO
Filipino and Mexican boxers have fought in many fierce and memorable fights in the past, and reigning WBC minimumweight champion Melvin Jerusalem and his challenger Luis Castillo are just as eager to stage another classic duel on Sunday, Sept. 22, at the Mandaluyong City College gym.
For sure, the scheduled 12-round bout is going to be an explosive one judging their intense desire to beat each other – not to mention the impressive credentials they are both carrying.
In fact, Castillo, still undefeated in 21 fights, boldly predicted on Thursday, Sept. 19, during the press launching at the Manila Hotel that he will end up the winner in the event presented by Manny Pacquiao’s Blow-by-Blow.
“We come here ready, and we’re really ready to take the title and bring it home to Mexico,” said Castillo through a translator. “He’s a strong fighter but we came here prepared and ready…I’ll try my best to knock him out.”
During the PSA (Philippine Sportswriters Association) Forum which both fighters also graced, Castillo told Jerusalem to enjoy his remaining days as champion because he’s going to bring home championship belt when they go home.
Jerusalem took that challenge with a smile, saying fighting in front of Filipinos would be enough motivation for him .
“Last fight ko sobrang sakit no’n kasi pinaghirapan namin ‘yong title na ‘yon pero ngayon sobrang laki ng kaibahan talaga, kasi nandito ako ngayon sa Pilipinas,” said Jerusalem.
“Sabi ko handa akong itaya ang sarili ko para sa bayan at ipanalo ang laban dahil naniniwala ako na hindi ako pababayaan ng Panginoon.”
Castillo, however, was unfazed, saying it would only fire him up.
“The crowd will give me extra motivation, it energizes me more, so it doesn’t matter.”
Jerusalem sports a 22-3-0 card spiked by 12 KO wins.
Admission is free to the public.
