Jerusalem vows to bounce back after world title loss in Thailand

Melvin Jerusalem (2nd from right) is greeted by Donnie Nietes (3rd from right), Milan Melindo (rightmost) and other fellow ALA Boxing Gym fighters upond his arrival at the Mactan Cebu International Airport yesterday. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

HOPES were high when Melvin “Gringo” Jerusalem flew to Thailand for a chance to snatch a world title belt in his very young career. Jerusalem, however, didn’t get the job done as he vowed to the experienced Wanheng Menayothin (45W-0L-0D-17KOs) to yield the World Boxing Council (WBC) World minimum weight belt.

Naturally, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for Jerusalem but the Bukidnon-native fighter is not about to give up, taking the situation with a what-doesn’t-kill-you-makes-you-stronger approach.

“The good thing is, I learned a lot from the fight. I’m very thankful for the opportunity and experience, and I will work harder for another chance in the near future,” said the 22-year-old Jerusalem.

It was the ALA Boxing Gym stalwart’s first defeat in 12 fights.

“I learned that when fighting in Thailand, you have to prepare yourself for the worst because your opponent will do everything regardless if it is still part of boxing or not. I badly want a rematch if ever my promoter will give me a chance,” Jerusalem told Cebu Daily News.

Jerusalem and his trainers Edito Villamor and Michael Domingo arrived in Cebu yesterday. He was welcomed by his stablemates at the Mactan Cebu International Airport.

Despite the loss, Jerusalem got some encouraging words, especially from ALA Promotions International top honcho Michael Aldeguer.

“I just want to say thank you to everyone who supported me. Even after the fight, I’ve received so many encouraging messages that I know will help me in the next challenges. I want to thank my family, my manager, my promoter, my coaches, my friends, my stablemates, and everyone who supported me in this journey. You inspired me to give my all. I also want everyone to know that I did my best,” he said.

Though it was a unanimous decision loss, Jerusalem stood his ground against the Thai champion as seen in the 115-113, 114-113, 114-113 scores.

“I promise everyone that I will bounce back strong and continue my journey to become a world champion. I promise myself that I will become a better boxer,” said Jerusalem.

Jerusalem intends to return training after taking a short break.

“I will train as soon as possible but first I want to go home in Bukidnon to visit my family.” added Jerusalem.