TEAM JERUSALEM ARRIVES IN THAILAND FOR WBC WORLD TITLE FIGHT

UNDEFEATED Filipino boxer Melvin “Gringo” Jerusalem of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon arrived Friday in Thailand to challenge undefeated WBC World minimumweight champion Chayaphon Moonsri on January 25.

Jerusalem (11 wins, 7 KOs) arrived together with his trainer Michael Domingo and chief trainer Edito Villamor of the ALA Stable from Cebu.

The Team Jerusalem is now billeted at the Petchyindee Kingdom Hotel in Thonburi.

“Melvin is still resting before we will have training this afternoon,” said Villamor in a chat message on Facebook today.

They are training at the Petchyindee boxing gym in Bangkok.

“So far, the training camp of Team Jerusalem is good and his condition is OK added Villamor.

Villamor said their “opponent is an experienced fighter with already five successful title defences.”

“For me it’s a 50-50 chance because of the calibre of the opponent. But we believe in Melvin’s determination and dedication towards his training. Grabe ang iyang gipakita,” said Villamor.

Jerusalem has already sparred with two-time world champion and stablemate Donnie “Ahas” Nietes and former world champion Merlito Sabillo.

“He really has a good mentality that has brought confidence to himself,” added Villamor.

Jerusalem is also dedicating his fight to his late father, who died in 2015. The 22-year old Jerusalem has won his three fights last year all held in Cebu.

“I’m inspired to win this fight. I’ve studied his tapes,” said Jerusalem, who will be facing his opponent for the first time tomorrow during their TV interview.

Jerusalem, who is still two pounds over the 105 lbs., first scored a majority decision against Florante Condes on February 27 then downed once Jonathan Refugio in Round 4 to score a unanimous decision last July 16. Jerusalem last won against Fabio Marfa also by UD on November 26.

Jerusalem will be the third Filipino challenger of Moonsri, also known as Wanheng Menayothin.

The dangerous Thai champion is still undefeated with a record of 44 wins with 17 KOs. Moonsri will be making his 6th title defense of the crown he won via a 9th round retirement on then-champion Oswaldo Novoa on Nov. 16,2014 in Chonburi, Thailand.

He won by a UD against Filipino Jeffrey Galero on February 5, 2015 in his first title-defense held in Thailand. Moonsri then knocked out another Filipino challenger Jerry Tomogdan in the 9th round on June 2, 2015 in Bangkok in his second title defense.

The 31-year old Thai previously retained his title by a UD over Mexican Saul Juarez last August 2 in Chonburi.

Moonsri’s other challengers were Japan’s Go Odaira (5th round TKO) and South Korea’s Young Gil Bae (9th round TKO). He last fought and won by points against Silem Serang last Dec. 12 in Thailand.