Typically, boxers feel like they’re heading into enemy territory when they fight abroad. But for Melvin Jerusalem, Japan feels like a home away from home.

Jerusalem, the WBC minimumweight champion, won both his 105lbs world titles in Japan and is undefeated in the country. His manager, Nobuyuki Matsuura, is from Nagoya, just a short drive from the Aichi Sky Expo in Tokoname. That’s where Jerusalem will look to notch his third win in Japan this coming Sunday, when he faces Yudai Shigeoka – the man he defeated to win the belt nearly a year ago.

“There is no problem with fighting in another country because we are used to it,” Jerusalem, 23-3 (12 KOs), of Manolo Fortich, Philippines, tells BoxingScene.

“As for Japan, this is my second home, especially here in Nagoya, so there is no problem for me. There are many Japanese and Filipino supporters here.”

Their first fight, which also took place in Aichi province, was a close battle where Jerusalem’s power – particularly in the straight right hand – made the difference in a split decision victory. Jerusalem dropped the southpaw Shigeoka twice, yet he still isn’t letting his guard down against Shigeoka, 9-1 (5 KOs). Shigeoka has rebounded since his first loss with a unanimous decision last August over Filipino contender Samuel Salva.

Jerusalem says he’s ready for whatever adjustments his opponent will make in their rematch:

“Shigeoka is a good boxer, especially if he is trying hard for this fight because this is for my dream belt.”

“I am still not confident in our fight and whatever I did in our first fight. I added more skills and we have an option so that if the opponent's style changes, I can adjust.”

Jerusalem’s promoter, Jim Claude Manangquil of the General Santos City-based Sanman Promotions, says the rematch was made because Shigeoka’s promoter Koki Kameda still retained an option on a future Jerusalem defense dating back to their first fight. He says that a win could lead to a significant opportunity for Jerusalem -- the chance to avenge his seventh round stoppage loss to Oscar Collazo from 2023.

“He needs to win for a bigger fight – a possible unification rematch with Collazo,” said Manangquil, who adds. “This is a hard fight in his country so after that we will talk with them.”

Jerusalem will be carrying more than just a title belt into the ring. The 31-year-old is one of only two current world champions in the Philippines, along with IBF 105lbs champion Pedro Taduran, who ironically defeated Shigeoka’s younger brother Ginjiro last July to win his belt. 

Jerusalem-Shigeoka II will not be broadcast live in the Philippines, though the success of fighters like Jerusalem would make some headways towards reviving the sport’s interest in a southeast Asian country where boxing champions like Manny Pacquiao have been household names in the past.

“This is my dream belt, so I will never give it up and it will stay with me. God willing, I will retain and do everything to show a good fight and the belt will stay with me and be brought to the Philippines,” said Jerusalem.

“It’s a great honor for me to be one of those who brought honor to the Philippines and I will do everything I can to keep the belt with us.”

Ryan Songalia is a reporter and editor for BoxingScene.com and has written for ESPN, the New York Daily News, Rappler, The Guardian, Vice and The Ring magazine. He holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. He can be reached at ryansongalia@gmail.com or on Twitter at @ryansongalia.