There was no exchange of bad words when Filipino champion Melvin Jerusalem and Puerto Rican mandatory challenger Oscar Collazo came face-to-face yesterday in Indio, California, two days before their World Boxing Organization minimumweight title fight.
There was plenty of respect and courtesy but all that goes out the window when they square off at the Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino Saturday night (Sunday morning in Manila).
“I am happy to see my opponent… so we’ll see Saturday night,” Jerusalem said on the dais as he likewise thanked Golden Boy Promotions chief Oscar de la Hoya, who was seated to his right, for the opportunity.
Armed with a 20-2 record with 12 knockouts, Jerusalem will be making his United States debut after winning the WBO 105-lb title by knocking out Masataka Taniguchi in just two rounds at the EDION Arena in Osaka last January.
Collazo, visibly cool, calm and collected, had a bit more to say but was a bit more articulate.
“I am feeling very good, feeling very confident. I earned this (title shot),” said the undefeated challenger who sports a record of 6-0 with four knockouts.
Former world contender Michael Domingo, who trains Jerusalem, feels the chances of scoring another smashing knockout victory is very high.
“We trained long and hard for this one so Melvin’s in terrific shape,” he said.
The official weighin takes place Friday (Saturday in Manila).
