NEAR the end of the Philippine Sportswriters Association forum yesterday, unbeaten Mexican challenger Luis Castillo, through an interpreter, told Melvin Jerusalem to “count his days” as the reigning World Boxing Council minimumweight champion.

“Tingnan natin,” replied Jerusalem, unruffled five days before their mandatory world title clash on Sunday at the Mandaluyong City College gym headlining the Blow by Blow card promoted by Pinoy ring icon Manny Pacquiao.

It was left to the defending champion’s trainer, Michael Domingo, to come up with a more definitive answer to the cocky Mexican, saying: “Mangarap ka na (Castillo). We will continue to enjoy Melvin’s championship after the fight is over.”

Jerusalem, 30, will make the initial defense of the title he won by split decision from Japanese Yudai Shigeoka in front of a partisan hometown crowd last March 31 at the International Conference Hall in Nagoya, Japan.

Other than that short but fiery tit-for-tat, both boxers declined to say if the bout would go the distance or end in a knockout for either of them in the public sports program backed by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Smart/PLDT, and the country’s 24/7 sports app, ArenaPlus.

Sanman Promotions chief JC Mananquil, Jerusalem’s handler, and Blow by Blow chief executive Marife Barrera were also present to give more details about the card also supported by Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos, who will turn 90 on the eve of the championship fight.

“This first world boxing championship in the country in the last seven years is also backed by Mayor Abalos in celebration of his 90th birthday. Hopefully, Sir Manny will also be present and join the mayor during the event which will have free admission,” said Barrera.

Mananquil said that Jerusalem’s fight against the southpaw Castillo is mandatory, the Mexican being the No. 1 contender in the weight division.

Rather than being pressured in performing before a hometown crowd, the pride of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, who sports a record of 22 wins, three by knockout, against three losses, felt thrilled to fight in front of his compatriots.

“Wala akong ka-pressure pressure, gusto talagang lumaban sa unang depensa sa harap ng aking mga kababayan,” said the 5-foot-2 orthodox fighter of his first title defense.

Castillo, 27, who stands three inches taller and enjoys a four-inch reach edge, vowed to claim the Filipino as his 22nd victim in 23 bouts (13 KOs), one of them ending in a draw.

“While we won’t predict any knockouts, we promise that it will be an entertaining fight,” Eduard Montiel, the Mexican contender’s trainer, said.

Barrera said also on the program is former International Boxing Federation junior bantamweight champion Jerwin Ancjajas, who will take on Thailand’s Sukpraserk Ponpitak in the undercard.