Menayothin (L) and Jerusalem (R).
Undefeated Filipino minimumweight contender Melvin 'Gringo' Jerusalem will have the honor of the being the first Filipino to fight for a world title this year when he takes on undefeated WBC minimumweight world champion Wanheng Menayothin of Thailand on Jan. 25 at the Phitsanuloke Province in Thailand, ALA Promotions, Jerusalem's promoter, has informed Philboxing.
Last year, Filipinos posted a 9-4 record in world title fights. The nine wins were registered by Manny Pacquiao over Jessie Vargas, Marlon Tapales over Pungluang Sor Singyu, Johnriel Casimero twice over Amnat Ruenroeng and Charlie Edwards, Nonito Donaire over Zsolt Bedak, Jerwin Ancajas over McJoe Arroyo, Donnie Nietes over Raul Garcia, Milan Melindo over Fahlan Sakkreerin, Jr and Gretchen Abaniel over Saowaluk Nareepangsri. The four losses were posted by Taconing, Mepranum, Pabustan and Donaire.
Jerusalem (11-0-0, 7KOs), 22, is ranked No. 9 by the WBC and has wins over former world champion Florante Condes and WBC International light flyweight champion Jonathan Refugio in his young professional career.
Menayothin (44-0-0, 17KOs), 31, birth name Chayaphon Moonsri, won the WBC minimumweight world title over Oswaldo Novoa of Mexico on Nov. 6, 2014 and has successfully defended the title five times the last one against Mexico's Saul Juarez on Aug. 2, 2016 in Chonburi, Thailand. Menayothin has fought all his fights inside Thailand.
On January 29, another Filipino fights for a world title when Jerwin Ancajas defends his IBF super flyweight belt against Jose Alfredo Rodriguez of Mexico at Studio City Casino in Macau.
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