Philippines, 08 Jul 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Melvin’s foe arrives tonight


PhilBoxing.com



Melvin Jerusalem.
Unbeaten challenger Luis Castillo arrives from Mexico via Narita tonight and is expected to go all-out to dethrone WBC minimumweight champion Melvin Jerusalem who’s making his first defense in the main event of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao’s “Blow By Blow” series at the Mandaluyong City College gym on Sept. 22.

Castillo, 27, is flying in with trainer Eduardo Montiel, Adriana Penuelas and boxer Angel Francisco Sandoval who takes on Marsolo Pandian in a six-rounder on the Mandaluyong undercard. Montiel’s brother Fernando is a former world flyweight, superflyweight and bantamweight champion. The team will be billeted at the Richmonde Hotel Ortigas in Pasig.

Jerusalem, 30, is coming to Manila with trainer Michael Domingo from Cebu tomorrow. He trained for Castillo at the Zip Gym in Cebu, working with sparmates Mark Vicelles, Ramel Macado, Richardo (Bado) Laspona, Sugarey Leonard Pores and Kiyoto Narukami. A former WBO minimumweight titlist, Jerusalem wrested the WBC crown from Yudai Shigeoka via a split 12-round decision in Nagoya last March.

Pacquiao revived “Blow by Blow,” the TV series that launched his boxing career, in November 2022 after a six-year hiatus. Since its revival, “Blow By Blow” has rolled out 18 cards in venues all over the country, including General Santos City, Pasi (Iloilo), Cantilan (Surigao del Sur), Narvacan (Ilocos Sur), Imus (Cavite) and around Metro Manila. Pacquiao said it’s his way to give back to the sport and lay out a platform to discover the next Filipino world champions.

Castillo, nicknamed Flechita (small arrow), is a southpaw fighting for his first title in his first bout outside of Mexico with a 21-0-1 record, including 13 KOs. The WBC No. 1 contender has a 3 1/2 inch height and four-inch reach advantage over Jerusalem who totes a 22-3 record, with 12 KOs.

Domingo said he has studied Castillo’s style through videos. “Style niya ‘di naman fighter at ‘di masyadong stylist, tama lang,” he said. “Pag may chance, why not patulugin natin?” Promoter JC Manangquil, who handles Jerusalem's affairs with managers Nobuyuki Matsuura and wife Mhavic, said the fight will be slam-bang. “Melvin had a good camp with tall southpaws like Castillo,” he said. “Castillo can box, brawl and will give a tough fight so fans should be excited.” Mandaluyong Mayor Ben Abalos, who celebrates his 90th birthday on the eve of the bout, is hosting the event.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Ramon Cardenas-Leonardo Carrillo, plus two more 10-round fights added to Lester Martinez-Luka Plantic card
    , Wed, 08 Jul 2026
  • 56th Annual NABF Convention Concludes with Resounding Success in Savannah, Georgia
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 08 Jul 2026
  • IBA President Umar Kremlev: IOC had no choice but to accept lifting the restrictions on Russian athletes
    , Wed, 08 Jul 2026
  • Martin dares Inoue, Casimero
    By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 07 Jul 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 6 JULY 2026: Abdullah Mason Stops Albert Bell in 12; Carrington Outpoints Palacios; Wins by Mossely, Sadjo, El Hadri.
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 07 Jul 2026
  • Quiñonero to fight again on August 28
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 07 Jul 2026
  • MannyPay Global Launches U.S. Merchant Processing Division to Help Small Businesses Lower Payment Costs and Accelerate Growth
    , Tue, 07 Jul 2026
  • Murat Gassiev to face Peter Kadiru for the WBA Heavyweight world title
    , Tue, 07 Jul 2026
  • Bansilan, Tan rule Faith Run
    , Tue, 07 Jul 2026
  • Teremoana and new Matchroom Boxing signing Zerafa confirmed for big August 12 card in Australia
    , Mon, 06 Jul 2026
  • Jayson Vayson Returns to World Rankings
    By Carlos Costa, , Mon, 06 Jul 2026
  • Yor beats Salisad in technical decision, wants rematch
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 06 Jul 2026
  • War, Chess, and Writs: Why Mayweather vs. Pacquiao II is Postponed, Not Scrapped
    By Dong Secuya, , Mon, 06 Jul 2026
  • Nabunturan wins 3-on-3 MMA
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 06 Jul 2026
  • Clarion, Yanon suffer KO losses in Japan
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 06 Jul 2026
  • Abdullah Mason Stops Albert Bell To Defend Lightweight Crown
    , Sun, 05 Jul 2026
  • CARLO BIADO IS THE 2026 INDONESIA INTERNATIONAL OPEN CHAMPION
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 05 Jul 2026
  • Fight options for Manny
    By Joaquin Henson, , Sun, 05 Jul 2026
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The World Cup: a great celebration of peace and joy
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Sun, 05 Jul 2026
  • Abdullah Mason vs Albert Bell Debuts DAZN/TNT Sports Deal
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 04 Jul 2026
  • Jonas Magpantay advances to the quarterfinals
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 04 Jul 2026
  • Weigh-In Results: Abdullah Mason vs. Albert Bell
    , Sat, 04 Jul 2026
  • All Set for the All-Undefeated Clash Between Christopher Guerrero and Delante 'Tiger' Johnson Tomorrow Night in Cleveland
    , Sat, 04 Jul 2026
  • Brave Alvin "Felemon" Dologuin Bested in Australia
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 04 Jul 2026
  • BKFC TRIUMPHANTLY RETURNS TO NEWARK’S PRUDENTIAL CENTER ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
    , Sat, 04 Jul 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.