WBC minimumweight champion Melvin Jerusalem stays ready for whoever comes next: Collazo or Taduran

Melvin Jerusalem has firmly cemented his place among the Philippines’ boxing elite, capturing multiple professional honors and currently holding the World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight championship. The 31-year-old southpaw continues to impress fans with his skill, discipline, and determination inside the ring.

Jerusalem’s most recent triumph came on October 29, 2025, at the Araneta Coliseum, during the 50th anniversary of the iconic Thrilla in Manila. Facing South African boxer Siyakholwa Kuse, Jerusalem delivered a commanding performance in front of his home crowd, securing a unanimous decision victory and successfully defending his WBC minimumweight belt.

With the win behind him, Jerusalem now turns his attention to a highly anticipated rematch against World Boxing Organization (WBO) minimumweight champion Oscar Collazo of Puerto Rico for a chance at a unified title.

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However, the rematch hinges on Collazo’s potential clash with fellow Puerto Rican and International Boxing Federation (IBF) minimumweight champion Pedro Taduran. Taduran has reportedly begun training in Los Angeles for the bout, though no official announcement has been made. If the fight proceeds, the winner would face Jerusalem for a unification showdown.

WATCH: Pedro Taduran willing to fight fellow Filipino boxing champion Melvin Jerusalem if plan to face Oscar Collazo doesn’t materialize. | @MarkGiongcoINQ pic.twitter.com/E87kUgf9QO

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) October 27, 2025

Regardless of the opponent, Jerusalem remains focused and ready.

“The plan was really Collazo. But we are waiting for the final announcement on who he is fighting. Whether it’s me or Taduran, I just have to stay ready. Let’s see how it plays out. If Taduran ends up fighting Collazo, we will know soon. Whoever comes out of that, I’m always ready,” Jerusalem told the media.

“I leave everything to God’s plan. I will just continue training hard and stay prepared. While I’m still a world champion, I want to achieve more, if that is God’s will,” he added.

Jerusalem capped off a remarkable 2025 by defending his WBC minimumweight title twice. He first overcame Japan’s Yudai Shigeoka via unanimous decision before following up with a dominant win over Siyakholwa Kuse.

“I’m very thankful for 2025. Defending my title twice was a big blessing. I thank God for giving me the strength and conditioning, both in training and in the fight,” Jerusalem said.

Currently, Jerusalem is training at the ZIP Sanman Boxing Gym, sharpening his skills and maintaining peak conditioning. The world champion is leaving nothing to chance, preparing to be the best version of himself whenever the next opportunity arises, whether it comes against Collazo or Taduran.

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