Jerusalem bent on Collazo rematch, becoming undisputed champ

MANILA, Philippines — Without overlooking their title defense in the “Thrilla in Manila 2” main event at the Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, the camp of World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight champion remains determined to achieve an ultimate goal.

That is, to get back at Puerto Rico’s Oscar Collazo, Jerusalem’s former tormentor who currently holds the World Boxing Organization and World Boxing Association versions of the crown.

“Anytime, anywhere. Oscar Collazo, that’s the fight we want,” Jerusalem’s promoter, the youthful JC Mananquil of Sanman Boxing, told Philstar.com during the ceremonial weigh-ins Tuesday at the Quantum at Gateway Mall in Quezon City.

“Melvin will avenge his defeat,” added Mananquil, referring to his ward’s technical knockout loss to Collazo in 2023.

But first, the 31-year-old Jerusalem (24-3, with 21 knockouts) must get past South Africa’s Siyakholwa Kuse (9-2-2, 4 KOs) in the celebratory show for the 50th anniversary of the famed “Thrilla in Manila” showdown between heavyweight greats Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.

Jerusalem and Kuse both weighed in at 104.8 pounds, looking primed for their 12-round battle.

“Sobrang excited ako kasi atin ito e. Saka 50th anniversary ito ng ‘Thrilla in Manila’,” said the pride of Bukidnon, who will be making the third defense of his belt.

Jerusalem isn’t the only Filipino 105-pound titleholder who’s after Collazo’s scalp. Pedro Taduran already took care of business when he battered countryman Christian Balunan en route to a lopsided decision to defend the International Boxing Federation minimumweight crown last Sunday.

Taduran, too, wants an immediate shot at the undefeated Collazo (13-0, 10 KOs).

Collazo, for his part, is raring to unify all four belts.

Nobody is coming for me, I’M COMING FOR BOTH OF YOU, keep holding my belt https://t.co/E6jDHVesUl

— Oscalito (@Oscalito6) October 26, 2025

“Nobody is coming for me, I’M COMING FOR BOTH OF YOU, keep holding my belt,” Collado posted on X (formerly Twitter) the other day.

“It depends kung sino unahin niya (Collazo). But eventually (it will be) Collazo (for us),” Mananquil said.

“We’re gonna finish the business tomorrow. Then Collazo, anytime,” added Jerusalem’s promoter.

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