World Boxing Council (WBC) strawweight champion Melvin Jerusalem is being lined up to bring his act outside the country when he makes his 2026 debut.

Fresh from retaining the WBC 195-pound title for the third time in late-October, Jerusalem could find himself defending on American soil or in Japan.

A trip to Mexico is not also being ruled out, according to his promoter JC Mananquil.

“Still under negotiations right now,” Mananquil told DAILY TRIBUNE on Saturday.

Last time he fought, Jerusalem had to go 12 rounds in beating South African Siyakholwa Kuse during the Thrilla in Manila golden anniversary’s celebrations at the Araneta Coliseum.

Plans to challenge reigning World Boxing Organization and World Boxing Association champion Oscar Collazo of Puerto Rico was being eyed, but the proposal to have the fight in February didn’t sit well.

“Too early for me,” Jerusalem said, stressing that he won’t be ready to return to the ring until March.

The main reason for Jerusalem’s insistence of not rushing is his previous, sad experience against Collazo.

In May 2023, Jerusalem traveled for the first time to the United States and faced Collazo in Indio, California.

Arriving in America ten days before the fight, a jet-lagged and sleep-deprived Jerusalem quit on his stool.

“Next time I fight him, I will be more prepared,” he added.

Meantime, Jerusalem is not letting himself go out of shape amid the Christmas season.

“I am a world champion and I have a responsibility to stay in shape even when I don’t have a scheduled fight,” he said.

With this in mind, Jerusalem is looking forward to an explosive start to 2026.