Jerusalem eyes unification bout with Thai WBA Super champion

CEBU, Philippines — On the heels of his successful title defense, Melvin Jerusalem eyes a much tougher challenge.

If he has his way, Jerusalem said he wants to face next the undefeated WBA Super minimumweight champion Thammanoon Niyomtrong in a unification bout.

“Amo plano puhon is unification sa Thai champion kon mahatagan og chance,” said the 30-year-old ZIP/Sanman boxer.

Jerusalem made the statement two days after he kept his WBC 105-pound crown with a lopsided unanimous decision win over the previously unbeaten Mexican challenger Luis Castillo in the main event of Manny Pacquiao’s “Blow-by-Blow” card last September 22 at the Mandaluyong City College Gym.

After scoring a first-round knockdown, the fighting pride of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon was dominant all the way leading to a 12-round shutout of the Mexican visitor with the official scores of 120-107, 120-107 and 118-109.

Jerusalem, who sports a 23-3 record spiked with 12KOs, will surely face a tall order if his desired showdown with Niyomtrong pushes through.

The 34-year-old Niyomtrong, known by his ring name Knockout CP Freshmart, is unscathed in 25 matches with nine knockouts.

“Mao ni ang giplano sa among team. If naay opportunity nga mag-unify sa Thai boxer mas maayo para nindot ang duwa,” said Jerusalem’s trainer Michael Domingo.