MELVIN Jerusalem dealt Luis Castillo of Mexico a methodical beating to retain his WBC minimumweight crown Sunday night at the jampacked Mandaluyong College gym.
The 30-year-old Filipino knocked down the challenger late in the first round to set the tempo of the lopsided match which the champion won via unanimous decision.
The three judges scored the bout 118-109, 120-107, and 120-107 all in favor of Jerusalem.
Jerusalem said he tried to go for the kill every time there’s an opportunity, but admitted the Mexican challenger was a tough customer.
“Hindi ko minadali yung laban. Matibay, e. Hindi puwedeng mag-kumpiyansa,” said the champion.
For a while, it appeared the night would be a short one for the Mexican after Jerusalem connected on a lightning quick right straight that sent Castillo down to the canvas with 25 seconds left in the opening round.
But the challenger weathered the storm and went on to last the distance.
“Hindi ko talaga inaasahan na ganun ang mangyayari,” he said of the flash knockdown.
Jerusalem admitted Castillo also hurt him during the bout but didn’t let the Mexican notice it.
“Oo nasaktan niya ako kasi malakas talaga yung kalaban. Matibay siya. Pero hindi naman tayo nagpa-halata,” he added.
Making the victory special for the Filipino champion was the presence of his mother Miraluna at ringside, marking the first time the Jerusalem matriarch watched him during a title fight.
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