MALAYBALAY CITY – The Philippines has a new boxing world title holder after Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon-born Melvin “Gringo” Jerusalem knocked out reigning WBO Minimumweight champion Masataka Taniguchi last January 06, in Osaka, Japan.

Jerusalem, 28, knocked out the Japanese defender in the second round. The Filipino boxer now has won 20 of his 22 fights, with 11 knock outs.

According to inquirer.net, aside from his World Boxing Organization’s (WBO) minimum weight title, Jerusalem is No. 2 in the World Boxing Council (WBC), No. 3 in the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and No. 5 in the World Boxing Association (WBA).

His family in Manolo Fortich has celebrated his victory.

”Thank you Lord, our brother is now a world champion,” his brother Aljon said in a video posted on Youtube.

Bukidnon Vice Governor Clive D. Quińo also shared his joy on Jerusalem’s victory describing him as “the pride of Manolo Fortich”.

”In this time of difficult challenges to our country, your victory is a source of inspiration to all Filipinos,” he said in a post on social media on January 6, sharing it with Bukidnon Gov. Rogelio Neil Roque.

Jerusalem, who went to Manolo Fortich National High School, is promoted by Sanman Boxing and now resides in Cebu City.

”Nagmaya ang tibuok lalawigan sa Bukidnon ug nasud sa imong kadaugan (the whole province and nation rejoice in your victory),” Quińo, former mayor of Manolo Fortich, added. (BukidnonNews.Net)