Jerusalem to defend WBC belt vs Kuse in grudge rematch

Sports

MELVIN Jerusalem, one of only two active Filipino world boxing champions, proved too much when he and South African Siyakholwa Kuse met last October, scoring a unanimous decision win that enabled him to retain his World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight title.

The Bukidnon native but Cebu City-based Jerusalem will try to prove that his masterful win was no fluke as he faces Kuse anew in a grudge rematch that will mark his fourth title-defense on May 16.

For Jerusalem, it will be a case of same opponent but different setting as the crucial fight will be staged in Kuse’s home turf.

The first meeting between the two fighters was held at the Araneta Coliseum as part of the anniversary celebration of the Thrilla in Manila. This time, it will be Jerusalem’s turn to embark on a long travel as the rematch will be held at the Emperor’s Palace in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The rematch was actually least expected as it was already announced that Jerusalem will be facing World Boxing Organization and World Boxing Association (WBA) unified champion Oscar Collazo on March 14.

Negotiations for what could have been a gigantic duel bogged down with the Puerto Rican Collazo instead opting to take on WBA no. 7 contender Jesus Haro of California, USA on the same date.

With the unification fight with Collazo called off, the 32-year-old Jerusalem looked elsewhere, paving the way for a rematch with Kuse.

Jerusalem holds a 25W-3L, 12KOs record while the 22-year-old Kuse has nine wins, three losses, and one draw with four knockout wins.(CCM)