Apolinario bout in Japan or Mexico

After Melvin Jerusalem ended the Philippines’ world boxing title drought in Nagoya last Sunday, another Filipino fighter hopes to follow in his footsteps and deliver a second championship to the country. Dave Apolinario has been tapped to battle Angel Ayala of Mexico for the vacant IBF flyweight throne and negotiations are ongoing to decide where it will take place.

Apolinario’s manager JC Manangquil said the fight will either be in Mexico or Japan. The IBF set a deadline of April 25 for both camps to agree on terms and if there is no settlement, it will conduct a purse bid. The contending parties are Fernando Beltran of Zanfer Promotions and former world champion Hideyuki Ohashi who represents Apolinario as promoter. The IBF title was relinquished by Mexican Jesse (Bam) Rodriguez who has moved up to the superflyweight division.  Ayala is ranked No. 1 and Apolinario, No. 3. There is no fighter rated No. 2.

Both Apolinario and Ayala are unbeaten. Ayala, 23, has a 17-0 record, with seven KOs while Apolinario, 25, boasts a 20-0 mark, with 14 KOs. In 2022, Apolinario knocked out Gideon Buthelezi in one round to claim the IBO flyweight diadem in South Africa. He gave up the belt without a defense to set himself up for a shot at a more prominent strap. Known as Doberman, the southpaw from Sarangani has experience on his side with three of his last four wins notched overseas. He turned pro in 2017, two years before Ayala who has never fought outside of Mexico. Manangquil said Ayala’s style suits Apolinario and he expects an all-out war.

Meanwhile, Manangquil said Jerusalem’s first defense will likely be in Japan as the Kameda group holds the option for his next fight. Manangquil co-manages Jerusalem with Japanese businessman Nobuyuki Matsuura and his Filipina wife Mhavic. “Melvin is taking a rest for a few weeks as his Japanese girlfriend Yurino is in town,” said Manangquil. “It’s possible that Kameda will want a rematch with Yudai (Shigeoka). We don’t know what’s next as it’s up to Kameda to make the call.”

Manangquil said Jerusalem was mentally prepared to face Shigeoka who lost his WBC minimumweight title by a split decision. “Shigeoka tried to bully Melvin but Melvin kept beating him to the punch so it turned out that Melvin bullied the bully,” said Manangquil. “Melvin trained hard with his coach Michael Domingo and was ready to do what it takes to win. It was a superb performance and knocking down Shigeoka twice proved to be the difference.”