Tuesday, 28 July 2026 · Philippines
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Jerusalem fights for a world title in Japan on Jan. 2

MELVIN “Gringo” Jerusalem of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, will be back in Japan on January 2 to challenge WBO World minimumweight champion Masataka Taniguchi in Japan.

The 12-round title fight will be held on January 6 at the EDION Arena in Osaka.

The 28-year-old Jerusalem will be accompanied by co-manager JC Manangquil of General Santos City.

His trainer Michael Domingo is already in Japan after an early fight of Esneth “Hard Hitter" Domingo, who defeated Kosuke Tomioka by knockout in the 4th round last December 26 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.

Jerusalem went to Japan to acclimize last November 18 and was back to Philippines last December 13.

He is back training with the Villamor Boxing Gym and sparring with different partners at the Omega Boxing Gym in Cebu.

“Ok lang ang training, ang timbang na lang,” said Jerusalem.

Jerusalem, who is ranked no. 2 by World Boxing Organization, had two fights this year.

He won by unanimous decision against Ramel Antaran last February 26 at the Sanman Gym in General Santos City and then stopped Michael Camelion in the 2nd round last August 24, also in Gensan.

Jerusalem is also rated no. 2 by the World Boxing Council, No. 4 by the International Boxing Federation and No. 5 World Boxing Association.

Photo: Melvin “Gringo” Jerusalem (3rd from left) with the sparring partners at the Omega Boxing Gym.

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