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Boxing gloves.
South African Siyakhohlwa Kuse is on the brink of making history. Kuse will battle for the World Boxing Council’s mini-flyweight title against the defending champion, Melvin Jerusalem, from the Philippines – the most sought-after belt in world boxing.
The two will go toe-to-toe in a tournament dubbed “One way to redemption” in Kempton Park on Saturday evening.
He will become the first boxer from the Eastern Cape to win a WBC belt and only the second South African to win the belt on home soil since the great Dingaan Thobela beat Glenn Catley in 2000 at Carnival City in Brakpan.
Kuse is determined to achieve those milestones. “I am feeling happy and scared at the same time, but I am ready for the fight. Also, I am feeling happy as a boxer. Once I turned professional, I have always wanted to become the best boxer in SA, so I am happy for these moments.”
This will be the second time the two fighters will battle it out. Kuse lost to Jerusalem by unanimous points decision in the Philippines last year.
But the South African learned his lessons. “In this match I am ready for 12 rounds, and a knockout will be a bonus for me. In the first match I lacked experience, but I have gained experience, and I am ready for this fight,” Kuse stresses.
Kuse’s trainer Manny Fernandes is also oozing confidence.
“I am getting goosebumps as I am standing here. We worked hard; Siya is in excellent condition; he has improved from the last fight. Jerusalem is a great fighter, having defended his title four times. We know he is a former WBO champion, but Siya will win this title.”
Jerusalem has held the WBC mini-flyweight title since March 2024 and has successfully defended it four times. He also previously held the World Boxing Organisation’s WBO mini-flyweight title in 2023.
“I will win this fight because I have trained hard, and I prove that even if I am in this country, I will do my best to defend the title.”
The world title fight will be the main attraction at Emperors Palace with a number of supporting bouts to look forward to.
