Mdantsane’s Siyakholwa Kuse has promised to produce fireworks in his first fight under new handlers when he makes a ring return at Emperors Palace on Saturday.
The southpaw faces dangerous Filipino Samuel Salva in a mini-flyweight non-title clash, sparking concerns about his decision to proceed with the fight when he has already been approved to contest a world title eliminator.
Kuse received the green light to fight for the WBC mandatory spot against another Filipino, Joey Canoy, with the fight tentatively set for a date in July.
WBC representative Peter Ngatane warned him that should he lose to Salva or suffer a long-term injury, he would be replaced for the title eliminator.
But Kuse, who will fight for the first time under Johannesburg trainer Vusi Mtolo, to whom he defected from the All Winners Boxing Club in January, allayed the concerns.
“People will see a new Kuse fusing his traditional fancy boxing with defensive moves,” he said.
“We have been concentrating more on defence because, as you know, I am already gifted in other departments.
“Those who are worried about the fight must just relax. There is no way I am losing here.”
Despite his bold predictions, Kuse’s experience is inferior to that of the Filipino, whose two losses in 23 bouts were against world-class opposition.
Kuse has won just eight of his 11 bouts, with two losses and a draw, though an argument can be made that one of the losses was unjustified.
He was declared a loser against Xolisa Magusha in an SA title challenge, forcing Boxing SA to order a rematch after Kuse protested against the outcome.
Though he could not avenge the loss to Magusha, who had already surrendered the belt to Sibusiso Bandla (whom Kuse destroyed in a one-sided five-round fight), Kuse was able to exact revenge for his second loss to Bangile Nyangani.
Salva has scored 21 wins, stopping 14 opponents, with two losses, one suffered against compatriot Pedro Taduran.
In an IBF title clash, he dropped Taduran hard in the first round before the fight was stopped in the fourth in favour of the homeboy, who is still the reigning champion.
Salva’s other loss was against former WBC ruler Yudai Shigeoka in August before rebounding with a second-round knockout of compatriot Eldin Guinahon in January.
Opinions vary on the wisdom of Kuse taking on such a dangerous opponent before a world title eliminator with experts saying though the bout will help him to keep active, there is a risk of injury.
One of his former handlers confirmed that Kuse was prone to injuries, saying he often emerged from his fights with cuts and bruises.
But having minimised exposure to altitude challenges as he is settled in Johannesburg, he is expected to box freely with no outside factors.
Kuse nearly succumbed to Beaven Sibanda in his last fight at the venue when he had difficulty breathing between rounds in December.
Daily Dispatch
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