Filipino World Champs Melvin Jerusalem & Pedro Taduran Defend Belts in Japan

The Philippines' two reigning boxing world champions, Melvin Jerusalem and Pedro Taduran, are set to defend their belts on enemy soil as they take on Japanese challengers in highly anticipated rematches. These fights are not just about keeping their world titles—it’s about representing the Philippines in a sport where opportunities are hard-earned, and defending a championship is even tougher than winning it.

Jerusalem vs. Shigeoka II: A Crucial Test for the WBC Strawweight King

Date: March 30, 2025
Venue: Aichi Sky Expo, Nagoya, Japan
Title at Stake: WBC Strawweight Championship

Melvin "Gringo" Jerusalem (23-3, 12 KOs) will put his WBC strawweight title on the line against Yudai Shigeoka (9-1, 5 KOs) in a rematch of their closely contested 2024 bout. Jerusalem secured a split-decision victory in their first fight, handing Shigeoka his first professional loss. Despite this, he now has to prove himself again in Japan, where the home crowd and the judging might not be in his favor.

Since winning the title, Jerusalem has carried the pressure of being one of the last remaining world champions from the Philippines, a nation known for its rich boxing history. Defending his title is not just about personal glory—it’s about proving that Filipino boxing still belongs on the world stage.

Taduran vs. Shigeoka II: A Fight for Supremacy in the IBF Minimumweight Division

Date: May 24, 2025
Venue: Osaka, Japan
Title at Stake: IBF Minimumweight Championship

Pedro Taduran (17-4-1, 13 KOs) will make the first defense of his IBF minimumweight title against Ginjiro Shigeoka (11-1, 9 KOs), the same fighter he defeated by ninth-round technical knockout to reclaim his belt in 2024. Now, Shigeoka is out for revenge, and Taduran must prove that his victory was no fluke.

Taduran’s aggressive style and relentless pressure have made him an exciting champion, but being a titleholder means facing the best of the best—often in their own backyard. He will once again have to travel to Japan, where he will likely face a hostile crowd and a determined challenger looking to reclaim the belt for his home country.

Why Filipino Champions Must Fight Abroad

Despite being the champions, Jerusalem and Taduran are still forced to defend their belts in enemy territory. This is a reality for many Filipino fighters who do not have the same promotional backing or financial clout as boxers from Japan, the U.S., or the U.K.

Challenges of Being a World Champion:

Fighting Away from Home – Unlike other nations with strong local promotions, the Philippines does not have the same infrastructure to host world title fights regularly. Champions often have to fight in their challenger's home country, where they risk biased judging and hostile environments.
Lack of Financial Incentives – Filipino champions earn significantly less compared to fighters from bigger markets. A title defense in the Philippines might not generate enough revenue, forcing them to accept fights overseas for bigger paydays.
The Pressure to Prove Themselves Again and Again – Winning a world title is a dream come true, but staying champion is even harder. Every challenger is hungrier, younger, and more motivated to take the belt. Jerusalem and Taduran will have to be at their very best to remain world champions.

Carrying the Nation’s Boxing Legacy

With Manny Pacquiao retired and only two Filipino world champions remaining, Jerusalem and Taduran are carrying the hopes of the nation. The Philippines has a long history of producing legendary world champions, and their success in Japan will determine if Filipino boxing remains a force in the lighter weight classes.

Will They Retain Their Titles?

The road ahead is not easy, but Filipino champions have always thrived against the odds. Jerusalem and Taduran are no strangers to adversity, and if they can successfully defend their belts, they will prove that Filipino boxing is still among the best in the world.

These fights are more than just title defenses—they are battles for respect, pride, and legacy. Can Jerusalem and Taduran overcome the challenges and return home as champions once again?

The answers will be revealed in Nagoya on March 30 and Osaka on May 24. Boxing fans, mark your calendars—history is about to be written.