TOKONAME, Japan — Filipino boxer Melvin Jerusalem successfully defended his WBC world minimumweight title for the second time, scoring a dominant unanimous decision victory in a high-stakes rematch against Japan’s Yudai Shigeoka on Sunday at Aichi Sky Expo.
Jerusalem outworked and outlasted the Japanese challenger across 12 rounds, earning the judges’ nod with scores of 119-109, 118-110 and 116-112 to improve his professional record to 24 wins, 3 losses and 12 knockouts.
Shigeoka, who entered the fight with nine wins and one loss, fell to 9-2 with 5 knockouts after failing to mount enough offense against the relentless Filipino champion.
“Jerusalem showcased his tremendous conditioning anew by throwing flurries throughout the fight and taking shots to the body without a wink,” according to the official event recap.
The 30-year-old from Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, came into the rematch off another unanimous decision win against Luis Castillo last September in Mandaluyong City, Philippines, and appeared sharper and stronger against Shigeoka this time around.
The fight marked a critical moment in Jerusalem’s career as he sought to solidify his claim as the division’s best, having first captured the WBC world minimumweight title in April 2023.
Despite Shigeoka’s aggressive approach and heavy-handed intentions, Jerusalem’s ring generalship and high work rate proved too much to overcome.
Shigeoka attempted to pressure early and target Jerusalem’s body, but the champion absorbed the attacks and responded with combinations and lateral movement.
The win extended Jerusalem’s unbeaten streak to five and affirmed his status as one of the top Filipino fighters on the world stage.
At stake was more than just a belt — the rematch served as a measuring stick of Jerusalem’s ability to defend on enemy soil, especially after their first encounter ended in controversy over scoring discrepancies.
This time, the outcome was decisive.
With the victory, Jerusalem retains the green-and-gold WBC belt in the 105-pound division and positions himself for potential unification bouts against fellow titleholders from the WBA, IBF and WBO.
As of 2024, the minimumweight division has been a competitive space dominated by fighters from Japan, Thailand and the Philippines — nations with strong boxing traditions in the lighter weight classes.
Jerusalem’s win adds to the Philippines’ ongoing boxing legacy, with champions like Manny Pacquiao, Nonito Donaire and Jerwin Ancajas preceding him on the world stage.
According to the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), the Philippines has produced over 40 world boxing champions, and Jerusalem remains one of the country’s few active titleholders.
Sunday’s event at the Aichi Sky Expo drew a strong local crowd, eager to see their hometown fighter reclaim the belt.
But Jerusalem’s disciplined performance silenced the crowd and reaffirmed the Philippines’ prowess in global boxing circles.
With his career earnings reportedly exceeding PHP 25 million following recent title fights, Jerusalem is not only a symbol of perseverance but also a reflection of how Filipino fighters continue to thrive in international arenas.
Next for Jerusalem could be a mandatory defense or a big-money title unification.
His handlers have hinted at the possibility of fighting in the United States, where a growing Filipino fanbase awaits.
For now, however, the focus is on rest, recovery and continuing the momentum.
