ORIENT and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) minimumweight champion Melvin “Gringo” Jerusalem of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon will take on Ramel Antaran of Sarangani on February 26 at the Sanman Gym in General Santos City.
It will be the first fight for this year by Jerusalem, who is ranked no. 1 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), no. 2 by World Boxing Council (WBC), no. 3 by International Boxing Federation (IBF) and no. 6 by the World Boxing Association (WBA).
The 28-year-old Jerusalem beat Toto Landero by a unanimous decision to win the OPBF minimumweight title last July 16, 2021 in Talisay City.
But Jerusalem is not taking Antaran lightly, who won his fight before he settled a draw then later lost his last bout.
Antaran first won against Jerson Bancil of Malita via a split decision last September 7, 2019 in Digos City. He later settled a technical draw with Cotabato’s Reymark Ibones last February 27, 2021 in General Santos City.
In his latest outing, Antaran lost by a unanimous decision to former WBO International minimumweight champion Mark Anthony “Da Baby Boy” Barriga of Panabo last October 29, 2021 at Sanman Gym.
“We're just not confident,” said Jerusalem, who is already 109 lbs. just two pounds left.
The boxing event dubbed as "Sanman Bubble VIII" is promoted by Sanman Promotions headed by its president Jean Claude "JC" Manangquil.
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