World Boxing Council (WBC) minimum weight champion Melvin Jerusalem of the Philippines will leave for Johannesburg, South Africa on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, to defend his crown against familiar foe Siyakholwa Kuse of South Africa on May 16, 2026.
Second Meeting Between Jerusalem and Kuse
This will be the second time Jerusalem and Kuse face each other. In their first bout, held on October 29, 2025, at the Araneta Coliseum in Manila, Jerusalem won by unanimous decision.
Early Departure for Acclimatization
Jerusalem's trainer, Michael Domingo, said they need to leave early so that the fighter, nicknamed "El Gringo," can adjust to the weather and time zone in South Africa.
Domingo explained that their training has been intense because they know it is difficult to secure a victory in South Africa if the result depends on the judges' scorecards.
"Melvin must dominate and, if possible, knock out the opponent," Domingo said.
Domingo noted that there is a strong possibility Jerusalem can achieve this based on what he saw in the first fight.
"Melvin almost knocked out Kuse in the first fight even though he seemed to lack energy because the fight was at 1:00 a.m.," Domingo explained.
Jerusalem, 32 years old, holds a record of 25-3 with 12 knockouts, while Kuse, 22, has a record of 9-3-1 with 4 knockouts.
