Melvin Jerusalem takes smaller prize money for world title bout to be held in PH

WBC world strawweight titleholder Melvin Jerusalem is taking a smaller prize money than his Mexican challenger Luis Castillo for their upcoming world title showdown on Sunday, September 22 at Mandaluyong City College.

Jerusalem, 30, is the defending world champion in the upcoming fight but willingly took a pay cut just so the fight could be held in the Philippines.

The event, which will also feature former world champ Jerwin Ancajas, is promoted by Manny Pacquiao's Blow by Blow.

"I know that and that is not a problem. All I want is to fight here in the Philippines," Jerusalem said in Filipino when asked if he knew he was getting a smaller prize money than his visiting foe.

"There was an offer to fight in Mexico for more money but we refused because we wanted to fight here. I want the honor for the country."

Holding a record of 22-3 with 12 knockouts, Jerusalem is a two-time world champion having won the WBC world strawweight title when he pulled off an upset against the then undefeated Yudai Shigeoka last March. His next bout will be his first defense of the title.

"To all my believers, I will do my best. I will not let go of the belt," Jerusalem quipped.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News