WBC minimumweight champion Melvin Jerusalem, right, poses with Mexican challenger Luis Angel Castillo during the PSA Forum.–Wendell Alinea/MP PROMOTIONS
MANILA, Philippines–Undefeated Mexican challenger Luis Angel Castillo issued a stern warning ahead of his bout against Filipino world boxing champion Melvin Jerusalem.
Castillo didn’t mince words and even guaranteed a victory over the WBC minimumweight champion Jerusalem.
“I know this is going to be a tough fight, but I know we will emerge victorious. And I want to tell the champion here that he should enjoy his days as a world champion,” said Castillo through an interpreter on Tuesday during the PSA Forum at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
READ: Melvin Jerusalem to defend WBC title vs unbeaten Mexican
Provoked, Jerusalem would rather let his fists do the talking on Sunday.
“Mag-enjoy din siya dito sa Pilipinas at salamat nakarating siya dito. Tingnan na lang natin sa laban,” said Jerusalem.
The showdown, which headlines Blow-by-Blow set to take place at Mandaluyong City College gym, will be the first world boxing championship to be held in the country in the last seven years.
Jerusalem, who was accompanied by trainer Michael Domingo and handler JC Mananquil of Sanman Promotions, is making a mandatory title defense six months after edging Yudai Shigeoka in Nagoya, Japan to claim the crown.
“Pagka-champion pa lang ni Melvin alam na namin na siya (Castillo) yung mandatory. Kaya nag-ready na kami. Kaunting bakasyon muna, tapos nag-start na kami ng training, Nagawa naman namin ng maayos lahat sa training, kaya ngayon ready na kami sa laban,” said Domingo.
READ: Melvin Jerusalem wants unification fight after world title win
The Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon native is in his second reign as a 105-pound world champion. Jerusalem (22-3, 12KOs) previously held the WBO belt in January 2023.
The 27-year-old Castillo (21-0-1 13 KOs), meanwhile, is vying for his first world title and fighting out of his native Mexico for the first time.
But the challenger was oozing with confidence as he vowed to return to Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico with the title belt proudly strapped on his waist.
“It’s going to be tough, but we’re coming 100 percent prepared for the fight,” said Castillo.
“We’re coming ready,” said trainer Eduardo Montiel, who said Jerusalem fights like a Mexican warrior. “We’re very proud to fight him and be here in the Philippines.”
In the main undercard, former IBF super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas will make his ring return against Thailand’s Sukpraserd Ponpitak, according to Blow-by-Blow CEO Marife Barrera.
READ: Jerwin Ancajas admits ‘very low morale’ after knockout loss
Ancajas suffered a stunning ninth-round knockout against Takuma Inoue in his last fight seven months ago.
The 32-year-old Ancajas, who held the IBF super flyweight belt from 2016-2022 with nine successful title defenses, has been a shell of his former self the last several years having won just one of his last four bouts.
Ancajas is heavily favored to stamp his class against his opponent–a 36-year-old Thai journeyman who has 30 victories and 19 losses.