WBC Special Preview: MELVIN JERUSALEM vs. SIYAKHOLWA KUSE

WBC STATISTICS
WBC Strawweight World Championship
October 29, 2025 / Quezon City, Philippines / Araneta Coliseum

MP PROMOTIONS PRESENTS:

MELVIN JERUSALEM (Philippines)
· WBC Strawweight World Champion, 3rd Title Defense
· Former Oriental & Pacific Boxing Federation Strawweight Champion
Age: 31 / Date of birth: February 22, 1994
Residence, birthplace: Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, Philippines
Record: 24-3, 12 KOs / Total rounds: 172 / World championship fights: 4-2, 1 KO
Height: 5’2” – 157cm / Reach: 62” – 157cm / Stance: Right-handed

SIYAKHOLWA KUSE (South Africa)

· Ranked WBC No. 2 at Strawweight
· WBC Silver Strawweight Champion
Age: 22 / Date of birth: July 13, 2003
Residence, birthplace: Eastern Cape, South Africa
Record: 9-2-1, 4 KOs / Total rounds: 95
Height: 5’2” – 157cm / Stance: Left-handed

WBC STRAWWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONS

1. Hiroki Ioka (Japan) 1987 – 1988
2. Napa Kiatwanchai (Thailand) 1988 – 1989
3. Jeum-Hwang Choi (Korea) 1989 – 1990
4. Hideyuki Ohashi (Japan) 1990
5. Ricardo Lopez (Mexico) 1990 – 1998
6. Wandee Chor Chareon (Thailand) 1998 – 2000
7. Jose Antonio Aguirre (Mexico) 2000 – 2004
8. Eagle Kyowa (Japan) 2004
9. Isaac Bustos (Mexico) 2004 – 2005
10. Katsunari Takayama (Japan) 2005
11. Eagle Kyowa (Japan) * 2005 – 2007
12. Juan Palacios (Nicaragua) Interim 2008
13. Oleydong Sithsamerchai (Thailand) 2008 – 2011
14. Kazuto Ioka (Japan) 2011 – 2012
15. Xiong Zhao Zhong (China) 2013 – 2014
16. Osvaldo Novoa (Mexico) 2014
17. Wanheng Menayothin (Thailand) 2014 – 2020
18. Panya Pradabsri (Thailand) 2020 – 2023
19. Yudai Shigeoka (Japan) 2023 – 2024
20. Melvin Jerusalem (Philippines) 2024 –
* Regained

WBC TOP TEN
1. Ricardo Lopez (Mexico)
2. Oleydong Sithsamerchai (Thailand)
3. Wanheng Menayothin (Thailand)
4. Hideyuki Ohashi (Japan)
5. Eagle Kyowa (Japan)
6. Wandee Chor Chareon (Thailand)
7. Jose Antonio Aguirre (Mexico)
8. Hiroki Ioka (Japan)
9. Napa Kiatwanchai (Thailand)
10. Kazuto Ioka (Japan)

GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE STRAWWEIGHT DIVISION IN WBC HISTORY
19 world champions have been recognized by the WBC, of whom only one has regained the title: Eagle Kyowa (Japan).

88 strawweight world championship bouts have been held in WBC history.
Ricardo “Finito” Lopez of Mexico holds the division record for successful title defenses with 21.

MEMORABLE WBC STRAWWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHTS

Mar. 30, 2025 Melvin Jerusalem W12 Yudai Shigeoka – Tokoname, Japan
Sept. 22, 2024 Melvin Jerusalem W12 Luis Castillo – Mandaluyong City, Philippines
Mar. 31, 2024 Melvin Jerusalem W12 Yudai Shigeoka – Nagoya, Japan
Oct. 7, 2023 Yudai Shigeoka W12 Panya Pradabsri – Tokyo, Japan
June 28, 2023 Panya Pradabsri TKO8 Norihito Tanaka – Rayong, Thailand
Aug. 31, 2022 Panya Pradabsri W12 Norihito Tanaka – Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Mar. 29, 2022 Panya Pradabsri W12 Wanheng Menayothin – Nakhon Sawan, Thailand
Nov. 2, 2021 Panya Pradabsri W12 Danai Ngiabphukhiaw – Nakhon Sawan, Thailand
Nov. 27, 2020 Panya Pradabsri W12 Wanheng Menayothin – Nakhon Sawan, Thailand
Oct. 25, 2019 Wanheng Menayothin W12 Simpiwe Konko – Chonburi, Thailand
May 31, 2019 Wanheng Menayothin TW8 Tatsuya Fukuhara – Chachoengsao, Thailand
Aug. 29, 2018 Wanheng Menayothin W12 Pedro Taduran – Nakhon Sawan, Thailand
Nov. 25, 2017 Wanheng Menayothin W12 Tatsuya Fukuhara – Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Aug. 2, 2016 Wanheng Menayothin W12 Saul Juarez – Chonburi, Thailand
Nov. 6, 2014 Wanheng Menayothin TKO9 Oswaldo Novoa – Chonburi, Thailand
Feb. 5, 2014 Oswaldo Novoa TKO5 Chaozhong Xiong – Haikou, China
Nov. 24, 2012 Chaozhong Xiong W12 Javier Martinez Resendiz – Kunming, China
Feb. 11, 2011 Kazuto Ioka TKO5 Oleydong Sithsamerchai – Kobe, Japan
Nov. 29, 2007 Oleydong Sithsamerchai W12 Eagle Kyowa – Bangkok, Thailand
Aug. 6, 2005 Eagle Kyowa W12 Katsunari Takayama – Tokyo, Japan
Apr. 4, 2005 Katsunari Takayama W12 Isaac Bustos – Osaka, Japan
Dec. 18, 2004 Isaac Bustos TKO4 Eagle Kyowa – Tokyo, Japan
Jan. 10, 2004 Eagle Kyowa W12 Jose Antonio Aguirre – Tokyo, Japan
Jul. 7, 2000 Jose Antonio Aguirre KO5 Jose Luis Zepeda – Villahermosa, Mexico
Feb. 11, 2000 Jose Antonio Aguirre W12 Wandee Chor Chareon – Samut Sakhon, Thailand
May 4, 1999 Wandee Chor Chareon TKO12 Wolf Tokimitsu – Kurashiki, Japan
Aug. 23, 1998 Wandee Chor Chareon W12 Rocky Lin – Yokohama, Japan
Nov. 13, 1998 Ricardo Lopez W12 Rosendo Alvarez – Las Vegas, Nevada
Mar. 7, 1998 Ricardo Lopez TD8 Rosendo Alvarez – México City, México
Sep. 17, 1994 Ricardo Lopez TKO1 Surachai Saengmorakot – Las Vegas, Nevada
Dec. 18, 1993 Ricardo Lopez KO11 Manny Melchor – Stateline, Nevada
Oct. 25, 1990 Ricardo Lopez TKO5 Hideyuki Ohashi – Tokyo, Japan
June 8, 1990 Hideyuki Ohashi W12 Napa Kiatwanchai – Tokyo, Japan
Feb. 7, 1990 Hideyuki Ohashi KO9 Jum-Hwan Choi – Tokyo, Japan
Nov. 12, 1989 Jum-Hwan Choi TKO12 Napa Kiatwanchai – Seoul, South Korea
Nov. 13, 1988 Napa Kiatwanchai W12 Hiroki Ioka – Osaka, Japan
Oct. 18, 1987 Hiroki Ioka W12 Mai Thomburifarm – Osaka, Japan

The Thinner in Manila

By James Blears

A galaxy event spearheaded by Manny Pacquiao Promotions, starring the current Pride of the Philippines WBC Straw Weight Champion Melvin ‘’Gringo’’ Jerusalem defending his title for the third time, on this occasion against WBC Silver Champion Siyakholwa ‘’One Way’’ Kuse, from the Eastern Cape, South Africa on Wednesday October 29^th.

It`s to commemorate, rather than to emulate the fiftieth anniversary Thrilla in Manila, which would be utterly impossible to duplicate. In the same Smart Araneta Coliseum, Barangay Cubao, Quezon City, in the Metro Manila radius, five decades ago Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier fought each other to an almost standstill in stifling heat and sweltering, cloying and draining humidity. Veteran Coach Eddie Futch in Joe`s corner, took the momentous, but humane and fateful decision to stop Joe coming out for the fifteenth and final round for the trilogy finale, because both of his eyes were almost swollen shut and seconds later the winner Ali fainted, later saying it was the closest he`d come to dying. The magma magnanimity of Awesome Greatness, yet a pyrrhic victory with lasting consequences, because neither great fighter was ever quite the same ever again. It had taken too much out of them both.

As a salute to the epic fiftieth, legendary southpaw Manny Pacquiao and his right- hand man Sean Gibbons aim to put on a show of tribute to remember, for the coming years plus decades.  The undercard will include Muhammad Ali`s grandson Nico Ali Walsh, undefeated son of Manny Eman Bacosa, former title challenger Aran Dipaen, former unified champion Marlon Tapales and Filipino Olympic medallist Eumir Marcial.  VIP invitees will be World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman, Laila Ali, Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, Top Rank President Bob Arum, Larry Holmes, Referee of that Ali Vs Frazier fight Carlos ‘’Sonny’’ Padilla Jr, and health permitting Don King.

Melvin was to have fought Angel Daniel Valladares, one time challenger for the IBF title, held by Ginjiro Shigeoka, who had TKO`d him in five rounds. But somehow the fight fell through, reputedly over visa problems.  Into the breach boldly steps Siyakholwa Kuse from South Africa.  While Melvin aged 31 has a seasoned and relatively polished record of 24-3, 12 KO`s, southpaw Siyakholwa aged twenty- three is a relative newcomer to the pro ranks with 9-2-1. 4KO`s.  Yet as an amateur he participated in the Commonwealth Youth games and entering the pro ranks, he won the South African straw weight title in just his fifth fight. He won the vacant WBC Silver title via a MD over Beaven Sibanda and retained it with a UD over sturdy and experienced Filipino gatekeeper Samuel Salva. Yet earlier in his career he lost a MD to Bangile Nyangani and a UD to Xolisa Magusha. This here and now,is a quantum leap up in class for him. A sink or swim opportunity, for which he is preparing flat out, trying to be on the crest of a wave.

Fully aware of this, the more seasoned Melvin is taking nothing for granted. He has prudently said: ‘’It`s extremely dangerous to take someone for granted, as over confidence can work against you. The guys who fight for world titles train hard and are out to win.’’

Melvin has had to work hard to get where he is and to win two versions of the straw weight title. He`s served an exacting apprenticeship. Triumph could have come early. In 2017, he took on the legendary Wanheng Menayothin and put in a terrific effort. Docked a point in round eight for a low blow it cost him dear. Had that not happened he would have earned a majority draw. As it was, he lost a close UD.

Melvin patiently worked his way back. He won the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation title in 2020, defeating Toto Landero by UD. He`d previously defeated Toto via the same result.  Back on the winning track, three years later he TKO`d Masataka Tanigushi in two rounds to win the WBO title. A resounding left right combination put the then champion down hard and he wasn`t able to beat the count.

But in his first defence Melvin came up against extremely hard- hitting buzzsaw Puerto Rican southpaw Oscar ‘’El Pupilo’’ Collazo who battered him from pillar to post for seven wincingly one sided rounds, after which he was unable to continue.  Chastened, but undaunted, Melvin dusted himself off, regrouped and two fights later he defeated hitherto unbeaten WBC Champion Yudai Shigeoka by SD, having twice knocked him down. He`d fought his way back!

In his first defence he dropped Mexico`s Luis Castillo in the opening round and dominated him throughout to win a UD. Then a rematch with Yudai which he won by a more convincing UD. Melvin is itching for a rematch with Collazo who is still the WBO champion, but is not overlooking the relative rookie from South Africa, who had everything to gain in this opportunity of a lifetime battle. Even though he is WBC champion of boxing`s most slender weight division, Melvin can dig, especially with his right hand. Yet his defence can sometimes be leaky as he likes to come forward and throw punches in bunches. This two- fisted approach can leave him open and exposed. He`s not afraid to take risks, with the big prize up for grabs.

Sean Gibbons, who was once a boxer himself, before turning his hand and very successfully to promoting and management, isn`t a believer in the no blemish, O record. He feels that defeats which are redeemed or followed by a learning curve and wins, are proving factors, proving grounds  and successful tests of character.  He shared this view at a Martes a Café in Sports and Chips, while accompanying Isaac ‘’Pitbull’’ Cruz, who has known defeat, but roared back and whose style is an exciting crowd thrilling pleaser.

The fact that a straw- weight only weighs forty-seven kilograms or less, has nothing to do with the ability to possess a mule kick punch.  KO power, ability and capability has got far more to do with exquisite timing and applying it at just the right moment.  The near perfect exponent of this was the legendary Ricardo ‘’Finito’’ Lopez. During a stellar career from 1985-2001, Ricardo built a record of 51-0-1, with 38 KO`s. That`s a 74.51 percent KO ratio over 337 rounds. The only blemish and the only time he briefly visited the canvass, was a TD against WBA Champion Rosendo ‘’Bufalo’’ Alvarez, yet he won the rematch by a SD, later going up one division to win the IBF light flyweight title.

It`s almost ironic that half a century after an historic and titanic heavyweight epic, that the bill will be topped by the slimmest weight division, but it`s evident just how proud Melvin will be fighting in his homeland.  Fifty years ago, ‘’Smoking Joe’’ marvelled at Muhammad Ali`s courage and durability recalling that the walls of cities would have crumbled and crumpled to dust, under his demolition blows, but somehow Ali withstood them. The walls of Jericho may have toppled, but Ali from the city of Louisville, stood firm. Now all of these years later, the walls of Jerusalem are in place, standing firm, ready to try and resist a latter- day invader from the Mighty Continent.  Between gritted teeth and between punches given and received, Ali muttered to Joe: ‘’They told me you were finished.’’ To which Joe replied: ‘’Well they lied!’’

For this event some of the relatives and even witness of that final decider way back then, will be at hand in Manila. The boxers of today, will try their utmost to make all of us proud. Good on you Manny and Sean! There`s something to be said for tradition.