THE country’s new world champion is back home and Melvin Jerusalem offered his victory to the entire Filipino people.
“The victory is for the Philippines and for my family,” Jerusalem said in Filipino as he arrived from Osaka, Japan early Sunday.
The 28-year-old Filipino brought home with him the WBO minimumweight title after scoring a stunning second-round TKO of erstwhile champion Masataka Taniguchi to give the country’s its first world title for 2023.
READ: Jerusalem wrests world title from Japanese foe
Jerusalem along with Sanman Promotions top official JC Mananquil took a connecting flight from Manila all the way to Cebu where a hero’s welcome awaits the champion.
While taking a much-needed break, the champion’s camp will wait for the decision of the WBO on whether Jerusalem would take on a mandatory defense or be given a voluntary defense.
Whatever, the native of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon vows to stay in shape.
“I will not stop training hard after this,” said Jerusalem, who stopped Taniguchi with one straight punch from which Taniguchi never recovered.
He also dedicated the victory to his Zip-Sanman team.
“Of course, I am thankful to my coach Michael Domingo who worked hard with me during training camp,” added the champion.
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