Gringo’s best was not good enough
Melvin Jerusalem (11-1, 7KO) put up a valiant stand against WBC World Minimumweight Champion Wanheng Menayothin (45-0) in his first title fight. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough to dethrone the Thai champion, falling via a close decision, Wednesday afternoon in Phitsanuloke Province.
Both men started the fight at a high pace as the 22-year-old Jerusalem showcased his speed and combinations. Menayothin, on the other hand, utilized his veteran smarts to neutralize his young challenger.
Neither gave an inch in the first four rounds which gave ringside judges a hard time to see who had the distinct advantage, giving both 38-even scorecards.
By round number five, Menayothin started to take the driver seat. The 31-year old veteran clinched his way to put Jerusalem off his combinations.
During the eighth round, the Filipino challenger caught a bad break after being deducted a point after an inadvertent shot to the groin which stopped the fight briefly.
It proved to be very crucial in the final rounds as the bout ended with a scores of 114-113, 115-113, 114-113, giving the Thai champion his sixth successful defense since winning the title in 2004. This was his 45th consecutive overall.
Despite his efforts, Jerusalem absorbs his first defeat after going undefeated in 11 fights.
