History-making South African boxer Siyakholwa Kuse has a reason or two to be happy after he annexed the World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight title at the Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, on Saturday evening.
Kuse had the much-coveted WBC belt wrapped around his waist after he overcame Pinoy boxer Melvin Jerusalem and by so doing giving himself an early birthday present as he turns 27 on Tuesday.
SA ring official Thabo Spampool’s scorecard read 116-111, David John Irving from Northern Ireland had Kuse winning by 116-112 while Filipino judge Jerrold Tomeldan gave him the fight by 115-112.
“I have always wanted to become a world champion and I’m very happy to have won the title. It was a very difficult fight as Jerusalem is a very good boxer. He came here to fight and he did exactly that,” Kuse remarked.
After winning the minimumweight title, Kuse became the fourth South African boxer to win a WBC diadem. Other boxers who have been crowned WBC champions are Thulani Malinga, the late Dingaan Thobela and Kevin Lerena, the current bridgerweight champion.
Kuse, a former South African and African Boxing Union (ABU) minimumweight titlist, also made history by becoming the first boxer from KuGompo City to rule in the WBC.
“This title is going to change my life. It’s also great that I’m the fourth South African boxer to become a WBC world champion. It also feels good to know that I’m the first boxer from the Eastern Cape to win a WBC world title,” Kuse said.
He added: “There’s a big number of people who played a very big role in ensuring that I became a world champion. Firstly, I would like to thank Mpumelelo Tshabalala, Ricardo Malajika, Charlton Malajika, Ndabezinhle Phiri and Mpendulo Msimanga for helping me with sparring sessions while I was preparing for the fight.
“I also want to thank my sponsors Pokerbet Loutzavia, my promoters Golden Gloves, Mr Mlandeli Tengimfene for the role he played in my career, my trainer Manny Fernandes and his assistant Richard as well as my manager Brian Mitchell. Lastly, I’m also grateful to my partner for being with me throughout.”
Meanwhile, Princess Faku, the Executive Mayor of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM), has congratulated Kuse following his historic victory over Jerusalem.
Faku said: “As Buffalo City, we are immensely proud of Siyakholwa Kuse for flying our flag high on the international stage. His victory proves that talent from our city can compete and succeed among the very best in the world. We congratulate him for making history and inspiring a new generation of athletes.” – Monwabisi Jimlongo
