Melvin Jerusalem retains WBC title, repeats over Yudai Shigeoka

Filipino boxing champion Melvin Jerusalem successfully defends the WBC minimumweight title, beating Japanese challenger Yudai Shigeoka in their rematch in Tokoname, Japan.–Photo from Sanman Boxing

MANILA, Philippines–Melvin Jerusalem raised his arms as soon as the final bell rang signaling the end of his rematch with home bet Yudai Shigeoka.

This time, Jerusalem didn’t leave anything to doubt, delivering a clinical performance to retain the WBC minimumweight world title on Sunday in Tokoname, Japan.

Defending his belt for the second time in six months, Jerusalem won decisively with the three judges scoring it, 119-109, 118-110, 116-112 a result that just proved his upset win last year in their first encounter was no fluke.

READ: Melvin Jerusalem eyes redemption, unification vs Oscar Collazo

The 31-year-old Jerusalem, who edged Shigeoka by split decision in their first clash, hiked his record to 24-3 with 12 knockouts.

Jerusalem dropped Shigeoka in their first bout twice but while there wasn’t a single knockdown in the rematch, the Filipino was still able to remind his opponent about his speed and punching power.

With Jerusalem getting the better of the exchanges from the get-go, Shigeoka was reluctant to let his hands go in the latter stages of the bout, especially in the championship rounds.

After another dominant title defense, a unification clash with Oscar Collazo could be next for Jerusalem.

READ: Melvin Jerusalem dominates Mexican challenger to retain WBC title

Jerusalem had long been seeking a rematch with Collazo ever since the Puerto Rican ended his first title reign at the 105-pound class via seventh-round stoppage.

He’s since racked up four consecutive victories, including a dominant showing against Mexican challenger Luis Castillo last September in Mandaluyong.

The undefeated Collazo (11-0, 8KOs) holds the WBO and WBA (Super) belts while another Filipino in Pedro Taduran has the IBF strap.