World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight champion Melvin Jerusalem has arrived in South Africa, three weeks ahead of his scheduled title defense later this month. The Filipino boxer landed at Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport on Thursday, April 30, 2026, accompanied by Zip-Sanman Wellness Center head coach Michael Domingo and assistant trainer Dario Luga after a lengthy journey from the Philippines.
Early arrival for adaptation
Jerusalem emphasized the importance of arriving early to acclimate to the local conditions. “It’s good to be here three weeks early so I have time to adjust to the altitude, weather, time, and place,” he said. “I’m prepared to do better than in our first fight and will make sure to bring my belt back home to the Philippines.”
Rematch details
Jerusalem will defend his WBC minimumweight title against South Africa’s Siyakholwa Kuse in a rematch on May 16, 2026. The two boxers first met on October 29, 2025, at the Araneta Coliseum during the “Thrilla in Manila” 50th anniversary boxing card, where Jerusalem retained his title via split decision.
Jerusalem was originally slated to face Oscar Collazo in a unification bout in March. Collazo holds the WBO and WBA minimumweight titles. However, that fight fell through after Collazo opted to face another opponent, Jesus Haro. Following the cancellation, Jerusalem agreed to a rematch with Kuse in the challenger’s hometown.
Fighters' records
Jerusalem boasts a professional record of 25 wins, three losses, and one draw, with 12 knockouts. Kuse holds a 9-3-1 record, including four knockouts.
