Highly-ranked Filipino minimumweight contender Joey Canoy is set for the most significant fight of his career. He will face South Africa's Siyakholwa Kuse in a WBC minimumweight title eliminator on March 28, 2026. The bout will take place at the Emperors Palace in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Long-Awaited Showdown Finally Set
This high-stakes match was originally scheduled for October 4, 2025, but was canceled. Instead, Kuse stepped in to challenge reigning WBC minimumweight champion Melvin Jerusalem. The young South African was outclassed, losing by unanimous decision. Canoy, meanwhile, was inactive for the remainder of 2025, waiting for his promised opportunity.
The 32-year-old Filipino fighter had only one bout last year, but he made it count. Canoy captured the WBC International minimumweight strap with an impressive 10th-round technical knockout victory. This win solidified his position at the top of the sanctioning body's rankings.
High Stakes and Fighter Profiles
The winner of this eliminator will earn the right to become the mandatory challenger for the WBC world title, currently held by fellow Filipino Melvin Jerusalem. This sets up a potential all-Filipino world championship clash if Canoy emerges victorious.
Canoy enters the fight with an impressive resume. He holds a professional record of 24 wins, 5 losses, and 2 draws, with 15 of those victories coming by way of knockout. His high rankings across multiple organizations reflect his skill and consistency: No. 1 by the WBC, No. 6 by the WBO, No. 8 by the IBF, and No. 9 by the WBA.
His opponent, the 22-year-old Siyakholwa Kuse, remains a dangerous threat despite his recent loss to Jerusalem. With a record of 9-3-1 (4 KOs), Kuse has retained his No. 2 ranking with the WBC. Fighting in his home country of South Africa, he will have significant crowd support and motivation to secure a second world title shot.
Path to a World Title
This fight represents a critical juncture for both boxers' careers. For Joey Canoy, it is the culmination of years of work and high rankings, finally translating into a direct path to a world championship. A win in Johannesburg would make him the next in line for a shot at the green and gold WBC belt.
For Siyakholwa Kuse, it is a chance at immediate redemption. A victory over the top-ranked Canoy would erase the memory of his loss to Jerusalem and re-establish him as the division's premier contender. The stage is set for a compelling clash of styles and experience on March 28th at the Emperors Palace.
