Wednesday, 29 July 2026 · Philippines
News

Melvin Jerusalem’s First Defense Will Be Against Oscar Collazo on May 27 in Los Angeles, Dallas or Puerto Rico

The first title defense of skilled Filipino WBO minimumweight world champion Melvin “Gringo” Jerusalem will be against Puerto Rico’s mandatory challenger Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo on Saturday, May 27, and who will emerge victorious?

Jointly promoted by Osca De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions, the exciting 105-pound, 12-rounder clash will take place either in Los Angeles, Dallas or Puerto Rico.

For this first defense, the Pinoy Melvin Jerusalem (20-2, 12 KO’s), will earn a purse of USD 114,000 dollars, while the Puerto Rican Oscar Collazo (6-0, 4 KO’s) from Villalba, Puerto Rico, will get USD 38,000 dollars, plus more $$$ from other revenue streams.

Will the 29-year-old former ALA fighter born in the Banuwa ta Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, stop Miguel Cotto’s boxer in the same thrilling, fast & furious way in which he overpowered Japanese Masataka Taniguchi (16-4, 11 KO’s), last month in Osaka to continue as a champion of the world for his beloved Philippines?

His many followers hope so much so!

Or will the lone Pinoy world champion be bested by the Puerto Rican Oscar Collazo, the very same southpaw who decisioned Vic Saludar (22-6, 12 KO’s) last July?

The intriguing Jerusalem vs Collazo title battle is a mandatory fight ordered by the WBO, and who will be victorious? That we have to find out! May the Best Man Win!

The author, veteran boxing reporter Carlos Costa of Panama, can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com and whatsapp +639184538152.

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