Siyakholwa Kuse W12 Melvin Jerusalem... Siyakholwa Kuse made South African boxing history by dethroning Filipino Melvin “Gringo” Jerusalem. Kuse is the new WBC minimumweight champion after a bout that took place at a packed Emperors Palace, in Kempton Park, which is near Johannesburg. Kuse, a southpaw originally from the Eastern Cape also took revenge for the unanimous decision defeat he suffered last October in Manila. From the first round, the bout reflected a high technical intensity. Animated by the fervor of his fans, Kuse fought at a respectable speed and connected with effective combinations that put the defending champion in trouble. Unlike the first match-up, where Jerusalem’s veteran status allowed him to adjust in the second half of the fight, this time the now ex-champ failed to solve the South African’s constant punching volume. Despite Jerusalem’s knockdown of Kuse in round eleven, Kuse’s physical strength and lateral movements dictated gave him the victory in the championship rounds.
Kuse’s victory was achieved on the judges’ scorecards by tallies of 116-111, 116-112 and 115-112. With this result, With this triumph, Kuse also fulfills the promise to change the destiny of his family through sport. He also improves his pro record to 10-3-1 with 4 knockouts, while Jerusalem leaves his record at 25-4 with 12 knockouts. It is anticipated that the Filipino will execute the direct rematch clause.
Kuse is a three-time Boxing South Africa champion. On December 3, 2023, “Siya” claimed his first notable international win by knocking out Halid Kalama in the eighth round. One year later, hje engaged in a twelve-round war against Beaven Sibanda, emerging victorious. His first world title opportunity arrived in October 2025 when he traveled to the Philippines to face Jerusalem for the world title. Despite delivering a strong performance, Kuse lost a close fight that left the door open for a rematch.
That second opportunity finally came this Saturday at home, where the South African did not let the biggest moment of his career slip away. “I feel extremely happy. When I turned professional, I told myself: ‘I need that Green and Gold belt.’ I saw other champions with WBO, WBA, or IBF titles, but I always wondered why the WBC belt was so special. I went after it, today I have it with me, and I couldn’t be happier,” Kuse said after the fight.
The new champion also recalled the uncertainty he experienced following the defeat in the Philippines, thanking the support of his team and promoter Rodney Berman, who promised to bring the rematch to South Africa. “When I lost in the Philippines, I admit I was afraid of what my promoter might think. But he came to me and said: ‘You fought very well, son, I’ll give you a bonus and we’ll bring that belt to South Africa next year.’ At that moment I didn’t believe it, but Uncle Rodney proved that he keeps his promises.”
Kuse also acknowledged Jerusalem’s quality, although he admitted that this time he had to completely change his mentality inside the ring. “I want to thank him for coming to South Africa and giving me the rematch. He is a great boxer and I have enormous respect for him. But this time my hunger for victory was so great that I told myself: ‘I can’t respect this man once we are inside the ring.’’
