Jerusalem defends world title belt in South Africa

Sports

IT’S JUDGEMENT day for Melvin “El Gringo” Jerusalem and hometown bet Siyakholwa Kuse as they clash in a grudge rematch on Sunday (Philippine time), May 16, in Johannesburg, South Africa.

At stake in the fight is Jerusalem’s World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight title.

The fight will start around 3 a.m. in the Philippines, which is six hours ahead of Johannesburg.

The two fighters easily made the 105-pound limit with Jerusalem coming in at 104.4 pounds and Kuse tipping the scales at 104.7 pounds during the card’s official weigh-in on Friday, May 15.

Accompanied by trainer Michael Domingo, Jerusalem arrived in South Africa three weeks ahead of the critical fight.

One of only two active Filipino world boxing champions, the Bukidnon native Jerusalem is defending his WBC belt for the fourth time. Two of the title defenses took place abroad.

Jerusalem’s last title-defense was against Kuse, whom he defeated via unanimous decision in Manila last October. That victory is part of the five consecutive wins that Jerusalem racked up since he lost his World Boxing Organization minimumweight title to Puerto Rican star Oscar Collazo in 2023.

Jerusalem, who is 10 years older than Kuse, is the more experienced fighter with 25 wins, 12 via knockout, and three losses.

The 22-year-old Kuse is only on his 14th fight, collecting nine wins, three losses, and one draw. Four of his victories were via stoppage.(CCM)