WBC hails Jerusalem’s victory over Shigeoka

For clearly winning his second defense, minimumweight champion Melvin Jerusalem was named by the World Boxing Council as its Honorable Mention for the month of April 2025 following the release of its latest ratings.

Jerusalem easily beat Yudai Shigeoka last 30 March in Tokoname, Japan.

The top monthly award went to Japanese Kenshiro Teraji, the flyweight champion, who knocked out Seigo Yuri Akui in the 12th round on 13 March in Tokyo. His victory weighed more since he also annexed the World Boxing Association plum.

There are talks that Jerusalem’s next fight will be an attempt to become a three-belt champion.

Targeted to take place in July in New York, Jerusalem could find himself colliding with Oscar Collazo of Puerto Rico, who holds the World Boxing Organization and World Boxing Association straps.

Jerusalem is currently in vacation mode but he is eyeing to return to the gym for training after the Lenten season most especially if negotiations for a Collazo showdown make progress.

Before returning to Cebu City, Jerusalem attended to several commitments in Manila, including a courtesy call to Games and Amusements Board chairman Francisco Rivera.