The idea of challenging for the world title before the end of this year never crossed Mdantsane boxer and former South African champion Siyakholwa Kuse’s mind.
And that he will challenge current World Boxing Council (WBC) strawweight champion Melvin Jerusalem from the Philippines in Quezon City, Manila, on Wednesday, 29 October, came as a surprise to Kuse, who was preparing for a clash against another Filipino Joey Canoy.
Now Kuse faces Jerusalem at an MP Promotions tournament, which has been dubbed the Thrilla in Manila to pay tribute to the October 1975 heavyweight bout between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, who are both late.
Ali won by a technical knockout after Frazier’s corner stopped the fight before the beginning of the 15th round.
“I’m very happy to get an opportunity like this. This is what I have been dreaming about. There’s no turning back now,” the former SA minimumweight champion remarked.
“Honestly, I never thought this chance would come so soon. I had thought that I would only fight for the world title next year. I want to win and make history by bringing a WBC world title to the Eastern Cape.”
Kuse, who defeated Filipino opponent Samuel Salva in May, has done very well, winning his last six fights. In the process, he annexed the SA, African Boxing Union (ABU) and WBC Silver minimumweight title.
His last loss was in an SA minimumweight title fight against Bangile Nyangani from Mthatha in East London just over four years ago. He avenged that loss in July 2023 when he comprehensively beat Nyangani to reclaim the SA title at the East London International Convention Centre (ICC). – Monwabisi Jimlongo
