Newly-crowned World Boxing Organization minimumweight king Melvin Jerusalem might end up colliding with a crack Puerto Rican contender if the boxing body rules that he makes a mandatory defense.
This came into play after knockout puncher Oscar Collazo scored a fifth-round stoppage of Yudel Reyes of Mexico in their WBO 105-lb title elimination bout over the weekend in Inglewood, California.
The southpaw Collazo, now based in New Jersey, pulled off the trick with just one second remaining after Gerard White put a halt to the contest as Reyes fell flat on his back after eating a left.
Handled by Miguel Cotto, who lost to Manny Pacquiao in 2009, Collazo posted his record to 6-0 with four knockouts and strengthened his status as mandatory challenger.
True to his word, Jerusalem,
who is a gym rat, will jumpstart his buildup for the first defense of the title in good shape.
Jerusalem had won the WBO belt after posting a one-punch second-round knockout of Japanese Masataka Taniguchi in Osaka early this month.
Michael Domingo, who trains the Cebu-based Bukidnon-born champion expects his ward to show for training today to kick off the conditioning phase of their preparation.
True to his word, Jerusalem, who is a gym rat, will jumpstart his buildup for the first defense of the title in good shape.
"He started doing roadwork last week," Domingo told Daily Tribune.
Despite Collazo's recent win, Jerusalem might still proceed with plans of doing a choice defense being targeted for April, according to Domingo.
"They're talking about it," Domingo said, referring to Jerusalem's promoter JC Mananquil of SanMan Boxing.
A choice defense means Collazo will have to wait until Jerusalem is done doing a title defense against anyone in the top 15.
If Jerusalem and his handlers don't get their wish, the lone Filipino world champion braces for rough sailing in their initial defense.