MELVIN Jerusalem ended the country’s world title drought in boxing, wresting the WBO minimumweight championship with a stunning second-round TKO of erstwhile champion Masataka Taniguchi on Friday night in Osaka, Japan.
The Filipino connected on a perfect right to the chin of Taniguchi, sending the Japanese down on the seat of his pants.
Taniguchi stood up on rubbery legs and obviously hurt, prompting referee Roberto Ramirez to waive off the fight that came to an end at 1:04 mark of the second round.
Jerusalem, fighting out of San Man Promotions, improved his record to 20-2, with 12 KOs, and won for the 10th straight time.
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More importantly, the 28-year-old Bukidnon-born champion restored pride to Philippine boxing after it lost all five reigning title holders before 2022 came to an end.
Jerusalem was fighting outside the country for only the second time in his career since a 12-round decision loss to Chayaphon Moonsri in a bid for the WBC minimumweight crown.
Promoter JC Mananquil was with Jerusalem in the most important win of his career.
Taniguchi, a pre-fight favorite, was defending his title for the second time. He fell to a 16-4 record (11 KOs) following the stunning loss.
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