MELVIN Jerusalem fell short in his world title bid, losing a close decision to Chayaphon Moonsri in their World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight title fight in Phitsanulok, Thailand Wednesday.
The Filipino, 22, dropped a unanimous decision via scores of 115-113, 114-113, and 114-113 to the Thai champion, who made a sixth successful defense of his title.
A low blow committed by the young pride of ALA Boxing stable during the eighth round proved to be costly in the tightly-fought 12-round encounter.
Referee Celestino Ruiz deducted a point from Jerusalem.
ALA Boxing chief trainer Edito Villamor did acknowledge the low blow infraction of Jerusalem, but maintained the Thai also did a lot of dirty works that escaped the attention of the referee.
“Yung mga clinching yun ang grabe,” Villamor said in a correspondence from Thailand with SPIN.ph
Nonetheless, Villamor sees a promising career for Jerusalem, notwithstanding the first loss in his 12-fight pro career highlighted by seven KOs.
“Proud kami kay Melvin dahil pinakita talaga niya na gusto niyang maging world champion,” said Villamor, who didn’t discount a possible rematch against the Thai.
Moonsri, 31, stayed unbeaten at 45-0, with 17 KOs.
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