WBC appoints officials for Melvin Jerusalem title defense

Filipino world boxing champion Melvin Jerusalem with the WBC minimumweight belt.–Photo from Melvin Jerusalem’s Facebook

MANILA, Philippines–The World Boxing Council (WBC) named on Tuesday Japanese referee Yuji Fukuji as the third man in the ring for Melvin Jerusalem’s first defense of the minimumweight crown against mandatory challenger Luis Castillo of Mexico on September 22 in Mandaluyong City.

The Mexico-based boxing body likewise assigned Korean Shin Kyoung-ha, American Stephen Blea and Filipino Arnulfo Najera as the three judges.

Another Japanese, Tsuyoshi Yasukochi, as fight supervisor.

READ: Melvin Jerusalem to defend WBC title vs unbeaten Mexican

The scheduled 12-rounder, being staged by Manny Pacquiao Presents: Blow-By-Blow at Mandaluyong City College Gym, will be the show’s maiden world title offering.

“Boxing fans will be in for a treat as the event is free to the public and an opportunity for them to watch world-caliber boxing,” said Pacquiao, who starred for Blow-By-Blow during the 1990s.

Pacquiao is bankrolling the slugfest with Petron backing him every step of the way and the City of Mandaluyong providing solid support as well.

Former world champion Jerwin Ancajas will make his much-awaited comeback in the undercard of the slugfest being assisted by RMB Prime Inbox Inc.

READ: Melvin Jerusalem wants unification fight after world title win

Jerusalem won the WBC 105-pound belt by beating Yudai Shigeoka of Japan last March in Nagoya.

Castillo, hailing from the boxing-rich locale of Los Mochis, is undefeated with a 22-0-1 mark with 13 knockouts.

The 30-year-old Jerusalem, who hails from Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, parades a 22-3 ledger with 12 knockouts.