(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Melvin Jerusalem to Defend WBC Strawweight Title in Manila
Philippine boxer Melvin Jerusalem will return home for his next WBC strawweight title defense, facing first-time challenger Siyakholwa Kuse from South Africa. The bout is set for October in Manila, with the exact date to be announced.
Jerusalem (24-3, 12 KOs) had initially targeted a unification bout with former IBF titleholder Daniel Valladares, but visa issues forced a change in plans. Kuse (9-2-1, 4 KOs) is riding a six-fight winning streak and will fight outside South Africa for the first time.
The 22-year-old South African recently secured a 10-round unanimous decision over veteran Samuel Salva in May. Jerusalem, a two-time strawweight titlist, has spent much of his career fighting abroad, including in Japan and the Philippines. He regained the WBC belt after defeating Yudai Shigeoka and recorded a 12-round shutout win over mandatory challenger Luis Castillo in September 2024.
Fans hoping for a rematch with Oscar Collazo can take heart: the lineal, WBA, and WBO champion will defend his unified titles against Jayson Vayson, Jerusalem’s fellow Filipino, on September 20 in Indio, California.
