Boxing coach Michael Domingo is grateful that Melvin Jerusalem’s first title defense will be held at home.
Jerusalem, the defending WBC minimumweight champion, will defend his title against undefeated Luis “Flechita” Castillo on September 22 at the Mandaluyong College gymnasium.
Domingo credited Jerusalem’s promoter, JC Manangquil, for ensuring the bout would take place in their hometown.
“It’s a huge advantage to have the fight here,” Domingo said in the Cebu Daily News.
“Boss JC worked hard to make sure it would happen in the Philippines, and Melvin is thrilled to fight in front of his countrymen.”
Domingo would not want a repeat of Jerusalem losing his title again in his first defense. That happened when he fought Puerto Rican Oscar Collazo in the latter’s home country, losing the WBO crown via stoppage.
Domingo said Jerusalem no longer has to acclimatize like what he did in the Collazo fight. They have avoided having to face Castillo in Mexico.
“Boss JC asked if we were willing to fight in Mexico. I said it was possible, but we would need to stay there for a month to adjust, and there was a risk of a repeat of what happened against Collazo,” he said.
“So they worked hard to bring the fight to the Philippines. The prize here won’t be as big, but it’s the minimum required for a world championship.”
The post Coach grateful that Jerusalem’s first title defense will be at home first appeared on Fastbreak.
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