All for him
Filipino minimumweight Melvin Jerusalem (11-0, 7KO) made weight for his title showdown against WBC World Champion Wanheng Menayothin (44-0) scheduled tomorrow at Thailand’s Phitsanuloke Province.
Jerusalem informed Tiebreaker Times that he is good to go after the final weigh-in today after traveling more than four hours from the country’s capital.
Both men weighed in at exactly 105 pounds according to ALA Boxing head coach Edito Villamor.
Despite fighting in enemy territory, Jerusalem is more determined to win the belt to not only for him, but also to fulfill his late father’s wish.
According to the 22-year-old, the elder Jerusalem continues to be an important part of his career. His father was very supportive and wants nothing but for “Gringo” to succeed in the sport. Unfortunately, he passed away two years ago in his sleep — exactly two weeks before his fight against Mark Anthony Florida in 2015.
“My dad always supported me, “ the younger Jerusalem said in his native tongue.
“He always encourages me to do better and become a champion someday, so that’s what he’s trying to do.”
Jerusalem stakes his 11 fight undefeated streak against Wanheng Menayothin, who likewise hasn’t tasted defeat throughout his entire career, outlasting the likes of Florante Condes, Saul Juarez, and Young Gil Bae.
He knows that it will be a tough task to dethrone the Thai champion. However, he will do whatever it takes to make his father proud.
“He would have loved to see my first title fight and my first fight abroad,” Jerusalem added.
“This is a lot of firsts for my career, and I wish he was around to see me. [But] I guess he can watch me from heaven.”
