World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight champion Melvin Jerusalem will defend his crown on home soil against South African challenger Siyakholwa Kuse in the main event of “Thrilla in Manila 2” on Wednesday night, October 29, at the Araneta Coliseum.
The bout headlines the country’s biggest boxing event of the year, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the original “Thrilla in Manila” between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in 1975.
Both fighters tipped the scales at 104.8 pounds during Tuesday’s official weigh-in at Gateway Mall 2 in Cubao.
Jerusalem, 31, captured the WBC title last year in Japan after a split-decision win over Yudai Shigeoka and has since made two successful defenses, including a dominant unanimous decision victory in their rematch earlier this year. The pride of Bukidnon carries a record of 24 wins, three losses, and 12 knockouts.
“It’s a great honor to be part of this historic event. I’m more excited than pressured because I’ll be fighting before my fellow Filipinos,” Jerusalem said during the final press conference.
Kuse, 22, holds a 9-2-1 (4 KOs) record and rides a six-fight winning streak. The South African recently captured the WBC Silver minimumweight title after victories over Beaven Sibanda and former world title challenger Samuel Salva.
The star-studded card, promoted by Manny Pacquiao, also features Filipino standouts Eumir Marcial, Carl Jammes Martin, and Marlon Tapales, alongside Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of the legendary Muhammad Ali, who will also see action in the same arena his grandfather fought Frazier 50 years ago.
As the main headliner, Jerusalem aims to extend his reign and uphold Filipino boxing pride in a night celebrating the sport’s rich legacy in the Philippines. (Images from Sanman Boxing)
