Jerusalem to fight Landero for vacant OPBF minimumweight title

By LITO DELOS REYES

DAVAO CITY – Top-ranked Melvin “Gringo” Jerusalem of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon will fight Toto “Muscovado” Landero of Pontevedra, Negros Occidental for the vacant Orient and Pacific Boxing Federation strawweight title on July 18 at the Tabunok Sports Complex in Talisay, Cebu City.

Jerusalem (16W-2L-0D, 10KOs) is rated OPBF no. 1 strawweight contender while Landero (11W-5L-2D, 2KOs) is ranked no. 10.

Under Coach Michael Domingo, Jerusalem is currently training now at the Villamor Boxing Gym in Mandaue City.

It is owned by brothers Edito and Edmund Villamor, formerly from ALA Boxing Gym.

Jerusalem is also practicing at the EMT Boxing Gym in Mandaue managed by former boxer Edcel Mike Tonacao.

“Kay di pa padulaan ang Gensan, digto unta me (Because Gensan hadn’t been played, I would have been here)”, said the 27-year-old Jerusalem.

“Paabut rami kay Sir JC Manangguil sa final sa venue (Look forward to Sir JC Manangguil on the final venue)”, said Jerusalem.

Manangguil, who is the operation manager is still in the USA because of another fight.

“Ready na kayo ko, dugay kuni gepangandaman (I’m ready for it, I’ve been preparing for a long time)”, said Jerusalem.

He is still 115 pounds right now.

Jerusalem recently scored a 2nd round knockout against Jayson Francisco of Kidapawan last Dec. 17, 2020, at the Sanman Gym in Gensan.

Francisco was knockdown twice in the 2nd round due to body shots.

In January 2017, Jerusalem lost by a unanimous decision to Chayaphon Moonsri of Thailand for the WBC World minimumweight title at the Phitsanulok.

Jerusalem was deducted a point in Round 8 for a low blow.

“Dako akung kalipay nga makadula nakog balik ug championship, dili jud ne nako sayangan ang panahon kay mao nane akung gina paabut (I’m very happy to be able to play again and championship, I won’t waste time because that’s what I’m looking forward to)”, said Jerusalem.

He is thankful of his new manager Mhavic Kamiyama who is based in Japan.