By MARK REY MONTEJO
Filipino slugger Melvin Jerusalem has nothing in mind but a unification bout against World Boxing Association minimumweight champion Thammanoon Niyomtrong after successfully defending his WBC title Sunday evening, Sept. 22.
Jerusalem outclassed his Mexican challenger Luis Castillo before a huge Filipino crowd at the Mandaluyong City College Gym, scoring a knockdown right in the opening round that eventually set up the tempo for a unanimous decision win.
With the resounding victory, the Bukidnon pride believes he deserves a shot at a unification match against the Thai fighter.
“Naghihintay lang po kami sa plano ng manager namin, promoter namin, and nila coach,” said Jerusalem after his unanimous victory over Castillo.
“Kasi plano namin pag nabigyan kami ng chance na mag-unification, (Oscar) Collazo or ‘yong Thailander sa WBA,” he added.
If the plan fails to push through, Jerusalem eyes a rematch against Puerto Rico’s Oscar Collazo (10-0-0), who knocked out the Filipino pug to take the WBO strap last year.
Though clearly the dominant boxer against Castillo, he needs more of his skill when he faces either Niyomtrong or Collazo who both flaunt perfect records.
For now, he wants a well deserved break.
Jerusalem plans to take a rest for a week then immediately plunge to training anew while drawing out their strategy.
