Philippines, 22 Apr 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Yudai Shigeoka Trains in the Philippines Ahead of High-Stakes Rematch with Melvin Jerusalem


PhilBoxing.com




Former WBC minimumweight world champion Yudai Shigeoka is leaving no stone unturned as he prepares for his much-anticipated rematch with reigning champion Melvin Jerusalem in March 2025. In a surprising move, the Japanese star has set up camp in the Philippines, training extensively ahead of his shot at redemption.

Shigeoka’s Philippine Training Camp: A Bold Statement?

Shigeoka (9-1, 5 KOs) has been spotted training at the renowned Elorde Boxing Gym in Manila, alongside his coach Seiji Shinoda. His training regimen has included sparring with Filipino knockout artist Miel Fajardo, as well as grueling long-distance runs to sharpen his conditioning as reported by Cebu Daily News.

However, his decision to prepare outside of Japan—despite its world-class boxing facilities—has raised eyebrows. Some speculate that this move is a psychological play, signaling to Jerusalem (23-3, 12 KOs) that he is willing to immerse himself in his opponent’s territory to reclaim the WBC world title.

A Rivalry Reignited: The Road to the Rematch

Their upcoming showdown marks almost a year since their electrifying first encounter on March 31, 2024, in Nagoya, Japan. In that fight, Jerusalem stunned the boxing world by dropping Shigeoka twice en route to a split-decision victory, snatching the WBC belt in enemy territory.

Since then, both fighters have remained active. Jerusalem successfully defended his title in September 2024, dominating Mexican challenger Luis Castillo in Mandaluyong City with a wide unanimous decision victory. Meanwhile, Shigeoka rebounded in August 2024 with a solid win over Filipino Samuel Salva in Suita, Japan.

Jerusalem Prepares for War

While Shigeoka sharpens his skills in Manila, Jerusalem is also in deep preparation. The champion started training in his hometown of Bukidnon before shifting to the ZIP Sanman Boxing Gym in Cebu City, where he is refining his strategy to ensure his hand is raised once again in March.

Despite his status as champion, Jerusalem knows that defeating a motivated Shigeoka for a second time—at his opponents turf—will be no easy task.

March 2025: Redemption or Repeat?

The exact date and venue of the rematch have yet to be announced, but the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will Shigeoka reclaim his lost crown, proving that his first loss was a mere setback? Or will Jerusalem once again silence the doubters and cement his reign as WBC world champion?

One thing is certain—when these two warriors step into the ring, expect nothing less than fireworks.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Female Amateur Boxing Star Sar’ai Brown-El Signs with Split-T Management
    , Tue, 22 Apr 2025
  • Apolinario to fight Hu in Japan
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 21 Apr 2025
  • Warriors Shoot Down Rockets, 95-85 as Celtics, Cavaliers, Thunder Take Care of Business
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Mon, 21 Apr 2025
  • 2025 USA Boxing International Open Finalized on Saturday
    , Mon, 21 Apr 2025
  • Verano to face Thai in Clash of Nations on April 24
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 21 Apr 2025
  • Masangkay to fight Ocampo in JAS on April 23
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 20 Apr 2025
  • Denver Holds Off LA Clippers in OT, 112-110
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Sun, 20 Apr 2025
  • Arca clinches 3rd and final IM norm; Guns for GM norm in last round
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 20 Apr 2025
  • IN HER GOLDEN GIRL ERA: GABRIELA “SWEET POISON” FUNDORA SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDS UNDISPUTED TITLE AGAINST MARILYN BADILLO
    , Sun, 20 Apr 2025
  • Fundora Retains Undisputed Flyweight Titles; Perez Shocks Conwell in Oceanside
    , Sun, 20 Apr 2025
  • Dalton Smith Drops Mathieu German Three Times, Retains WBC Silver Title
    , Sun, 20 Apr 2025
  • Filipino GM Antonio beats Serbia's IM for share of lead in Caberra Chess Tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 20 Apr 2025
  • Villanueva to fight Antaran on April 27 in Gensan
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 20 Apr 2025
  • MASOUD AND MCGRAIL CLASH IN ALL-BRITISH SHOWDOWN
    , Sun, 20 Apr 2025
  • Semifinals Conclude at 2025 USA Boxing International Open
    , Sun, 20 Apr 2025
  • FM Arca is inching closer to his 3rd and final IM norm
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 20 Apr 2025
  • Weigh-In Results: Fundora and Conwell Ready for Golden Boy Fight Night in Oceanside
    , Sat, 19 Apr 2025
  • Undefeated, rising Canadian prospect Eric Basran wins in Opening round to advance to quarterfinals of inaugural Riyadh Season/WBC Boxing Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia
    , Sat, 19 Apr 2025
  • WEIGHTS FROM LONG BEACH
    , Sat, 19 Apr 2025
  • Weights From Washington, PA
    , Sat, 19 Apr 2025
  • Jerald Into Advances in WBC Boxing Grand Prix with Dominant Win Over Ahmad Jones
    , Sat, 19 Apr 2025
  • Press Conference Notes: Keyshawn Davis Set for Homecoming Title Defense against Edwin De Los Santos at Norfolk's Scope Arena
    , Sat, 19 Apr 2025
  • JAKE PAUL vs JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR / ZURDO RAMIREZ vs YUNIEL DORTICOS JUNE 28 in ANAHEIM
    , Sat, 19 Apr 2025
  • June 8: Junto Nakatani-Ryosuke Nishida Bantamweight Unification Showdown Headlines Tokyo Super Card Streaming LIVE on ESPN+
    , Sat, 19 Apr 2025
  • Thursday’s Action at the 2025 USA Boxing International Open Concludes
    , Sat, 19 Apr 2025




  •  



     
    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
    © 2025 philboxing.com.