The sight of television crews waiting for him at the airport was proof enough that Siyakholwa Kuse’s dream of fighting for a world title was closer to becoming a reality as he landed in the Philippines ahead of his fight against Filipino boxer Melvin Jerusalem.
Kuse together with his manager Brian Mitchell, head trainer Manny Fernandes and second Richard Fernandes arrived in Manila on Wednesday afternoon, South African time.
Mdantsane-born Kuse chases history as he wants to become the first boxer from the Eastern Cape to rule in the World Boxing Council (WBC). Kuse challenges WBC strawweight champion Jerusalem at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Manila, in the Philippines on Wednesday next week.
“We had a safe trip and received a warm welcome here. This is a massive fight and everybody here is looking forward to it. We will resume training on Thursday,” Manny Fernandes said.
Kuse’s fight against Jerusalem forms part of the 50th anniversary of the Thrilla in Manila boxing card. – Monwabisi Jimlongo
