World boxing champion Melvin Jerusalem is packed and ready to go.
The reigning World Boxing Organization minimumweight titlist yesterday was advised that his US visa has been granted and that he expects to be getting it soon.
Jerusalem is rushing to get to America since his first defense of the WBO 105-lb crown is scheduled 27 May against Puerto Rican Oscar Collazo at the Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino in Indio, California.
JC Mananquil, who promotes Jerusalem, said the target date of their departure will be 17 May.
“Once the visa is shipped, we would immediately take the first available flight to Los Angeles,” he said.
“Hope Melvin still gets to adjust to the local conditions in the US in 10 days,” Mananquil added.
Jerusalem held the initial phase of his buildup in Japan before returning to the Philippines for the middle part of training camp.
Originally, Jerusalem was eyeing to travel to America early this month but the delay prevented this ideal set-up.
Jerusalem had won the WBO plum last January by knocking out Masataka Taniguchi in Osaka.
Alongside Marlon Tapales, the World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation super-bantamweight titlist, Jerusalem is one of two current Filipino ring champions.
