Enjoy last days as champ, Mexican challenger tells Jerusalem

MANILA, Philippines – Mexican Luis Angel Castillo fired the first shot on reigning champion Melvin Jerusalem five days before the two clash for the World Boxing Council minimumweight title.

The undefeated challenger told the Filipino title holder to enjoy his remaining days as world champion as he guaranteed taking with him back home the 105-lb championship belt.

“I know this is going to be a tough fight, but I know we will emerge victorious. And I want to tell the champion here that he should enjoy his days as a world champion,” said Castillo through an interpreter.

Castillo made the warning at Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, just within hearing distance of the 30-year-old Jerusalem.

“Mag-enjoy din siya dito sa Pilipinas at salamat nakarating siya dito. Tingnan na lang natin sa laban,” replied the WBC champion during the same session presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Smart/PLDT and ArenaPlus.

Jerusalem was accompanied by trainer Michael Domingo and handler JC Mananquil of Sanman Promotions, while Castillo was with trainer Eduardo Montiel. Together with them was Marife Barrera, CEO of Blow By Blow, which will air the first ever world boxing championship to be held in the country in the last seven years.

Jerusalem is making a mandatory defense of the title he won via split decision against Japanese Yudai Shigeoka in Nagoya last March.

“Pagka-champion pa lang ni Melvin alam na namin na siya (Castillo) yung mandatory. Kaya nag-ready na kami. Kaunting bakasyon muna, tapos nag-start na kami ng training, Nagawa naman namin ng maayos lahat sa training, kaya ngayon ready na kami sa laban,” said Domingo.

A native of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, Jerusalem sports a 22-3 record with 12 KOs in his second reign as a world champion after previously holding the WBO minimumweight crown.

The 27-year-old Castillo (21-0-1 13 KOs) is vying for his first world title and fighting out of his native Mexico for the first time.

But the challenger was oozing with confidence as he vowed to return to Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico with the title belt proudly strapped on his waist.

“It’s going to be tough, but we’re coming 100% prepared for the fight,” said Castillo.

“We’re coming ready,” added Montiel, who said Jerusalem fights like a Mexican warrior. “We’re very proud to fight him and be here in the Philippines.”

Former IBF super-flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas will be fighting in the main undercard, according to Barrera, as the Filipino will be up against Sukpraserd Ponpitak of Thailand in his comeback fight.