Melvin Jerusalem still in disbelief after winning world title, dedicates victory to family

Melvin Jerusalem is still in disbelief days after becoming the Philippines' first world champion after a drought of almost seven months.

Jerusalem, the new WBO world minimumweight champion, needed just two rounds to win via a technical knockout over Japanese fighter Masataka Taniguchi last January 6.

"Parang 'di pa rin ako makapaniwala," Jerusalem told Chino Trinidad upon his arrival in Manila on Sunday.

"Pagkatapos ng laban, tinatanong ko kung 'Panalo na ba tayo coach? World champion na ba tayo?' 'Di ko na alam 'yung nagawa ko. Di ko na alam anong tinamaan," Jerusalem said in Trinidad's 24 Oras report on Monday.

Still fresh from winning the title, Jerusalem said he dedicated his victory to his family and thanked the Lord for guidance.

"Inaalay ko sa aking pamilya," the new world champion said. "Siyempre, 'yung lakas, nakuha ko sa Panginoon. Ginawa namin ni coach lahat sa training, nagpursige kami, pero ang Panginoon talaga ang nagbigay sa atin ng lakas."

"Kahit malaki ang kalaban, binigay sa atin kaya maraming salamat."

With the win, Jerusalem improved his record to 20-2 with 12 knockouts.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA Integrated News