Defending champion Melvin Jerusalem isn’t bothered by the height of his Mexican challenger Luis Angel Castillo.
Saying he is used to facing opponents taller than him, the 5’2” Jerusalem said he will find a way to get past the 5’6” Castillo in their 12-round clash for the World Boxing Council minimumweight title this Sunday at the Mandaluyong City College Gym.
“Walang problema iyan. Gawan natin ng paraan iyan para makapasok,” said Jerusalem, three days before his showdown with Castillo during a presser at the Manila Hotel, organized by Manny Pacquiao’s Blow by Blow.
“Marami na akong experience diyan,” added Jerusalem, who believes that fighting at home will mean a lot for him in terms of his confidence.
The day before the press conference, Jerusalem had a short session with lead trainer Michael Domingo at the Elite Boxing and Muay Thai Gym at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.
Jerusalem, who has a 22-3 win-loss record, has won his last two fights, the last which was a split-decision win over Japan’s Yudai Shigeoka to become the new WBC minimumweight champion at the latter’s home turf in Nagoya last March.
Castillo, a known body puncher, who trains with his coach Eduardo Montiel, also feels confident going into his matchup with Jerusalem.
“I have no problem fighting outside of Mexico for the first time. My corner has prepared me for this,” said Castillo through an interpreter.
Castillo, who has a 22-0-1 mark with 13 knockouts, also oozes with confidence having won seven straight fights since 2019.
In his previous bout last Nov. 3, Castillo beat Miguel Angel Herrera for a unanimous decision victory.
