Jerusalem dominates Landero in rematch, bags OPBF crown

CEBU, Philippines —  Melvin “El Gringo” Jerusalem reasserted his mastery over Toto Landero, this time in a dominant unanimous decision victory to seize the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) minimumweight title in the main event of an action-packed card presented by ZIP Boxing and Sanman Promotions behind closed-doors last Friday, July 16, at the Tabunok Sports Complex in Talisay City.

The tough as nails Landero fought aggressively, engaging Jerusalem in a toe-to-toe battle but the Bukidnon-native Jerusalem proved too classy and more accurate with his targets.

The exciting match went the full 12-round distance but when the dust settled, the 27-year-old Jerusalem prevailed by a lopsided verdict on all three judges’ scorecards.

Noel Flores and Edgar Olalo both scored 118-100 while Edwin Barrientos had it 116-112 all for Jerusalem, who now holds a 17-2 record with 10KOs.  Landero, who also lost by decision to Jerusalem during their first encounter in November 2018 at the Minglanilla Sports Complex, fell to 11-6-2 with 2KOs.

In the supporting bout, the undefeated Dave Apolinario (15-0, 10KOs) pulled off a smashing knockout win

over Charlie Malupangue (9-5-3, 6KOs) at the 1:31 mark of the third round to claim the World Boxing Association (WBA) Asia flyweight belt.

Kevin Jake “KJ” Cataraja, on the other hand, stretched his unblemished record to 13-0 now spiked with 11KOs after dishing out a methodical seventh round stoppage of veteran Cris Alfante (17-9-1, 9KOs) in their super flyweight duel.

In the other results, Jeo Santisima (21-3, 18KOs) stopped Allan Alberca (11-5, 6KOs) in the first round, Esneth Ray Domingo (15-1, 9KOs) beat Roland Jay Biendima (15-9-1, 8KOs) by unanimous decision, 

Christian Araneta (20-2, 16KOs) needed only one round to dispose Richard Claveras (19-8-2, 16KOs),

Criztian Pitt Laurente (7-0, 4KOs) came up with a third round demolition of Kim Lindog (5-11-1, 4KOs),

Judy Flores (10-0, 6KOs) knocked out Isagani Saludar (3-2, 2KOs) in round three, while Alex Santisima Jr. debuted in the pro ranks with a second-round TKO of fellow upstart Jay-ar Arnates.