After welcoming world champion Melvin Jerusalem to South Africa on Wednesday, boxing trainer Manny Fernandes admitted that the Filipino boxer’s fight against his charge Siyakholwa Kuse is going to be a very difficult affair.
The 32-year-old Jerusalem is in South Africa to defend his World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight title against Kuse at the Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, on Saturday, 16 May.
“It’s obvious that they came early to acclimatise. It’s gonna be one hell of a fight. We know it’s gonna be a very, very tough fight. We are up for it and we will put up a terrific fight. Siya is ready and is looking good,” Fernandes said.
This is a rematch after Jerusalem beat Kuse on points in the Philippines last October. All three judges, Australian Samantha Bulner (115-113), Jun Bae Lim from Korea Republic (116-112) and Mongolian Zanashir Taznaa (116-112) – gave Jerusalem the nod in Manila.
Jerusalem will be attempting to make a fourth straight successful defence of the title he won after he defeated Japanese Yudai Shigeoka in March 2024. He made three successful defences against Luis Castillo from Mexico, Shigeoka and Kuse. – Monwabisi Jimlongo
