Mdantsane boxer Siyakholwa Kuse’s world title dream is shaping up to be a historical event after it was included in the 50th celebrations of one of boxing’s most storied occasions.
Kuse will challenge Filipino Melvin Jerusalem for the WBC mini-flyweight title in Manila, Philippines, on October 29.
The clash, promoted by Manny Pacquiao Promotions (MPP), owned by the Philippines’ biggest boxing individual, Manny Pacquiao, will also feature another Filipino with Mark Magsayo facing Italian Michael Magnesi for the WBC junior-lightweight title eliminator.
Magnesi is most remembered for beating East London boxer Khanyile Bulana in controversial circumstances in an IBO junior-lightweight title clash in Italy in April 2021.
The festival is set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of 1975’s “Thrilla in Manila” which pitted boxing’s greatest fighter, Muhammad Ali, against Joe Frazier.
Kuse secured the title shot after the withdrawal of Mexican Daniel Valladares due to visa issues when the Mdantsane boxer was originally set to contest an elimination clash against another Filipino, Joe Canoy, at Emperors Palace on October 4.
With Jerusalem in need of an opponent after efforts to secure a unification clash against WBO champion Oscar Collazo, who previously dethroned him for the belt, Kuse suddenly found himself in the biggest historic boxing occasion involving an SA boxer.
His promoter, Rodney Berman, said: “For Kuse to be involved in such a historic occasion is a tremendous honour.”
The moment will represent Kuse’s biggest boxing achievement after his Cinderella story, which saw him kick his drug habit and rededicate himself to boxing.
The 26-year-old appeared on course for self-destruction when he surrendered his SA mini-flyweight belt to Mthatha’s Bangile Nyangani in one of his worst performances in the ring.
Sinking deeper into drug addiction, Kuse’s career was saved when he joined Mlandeli Tengimfene’s All Winners Boxing club in Mdantsane, with Tengimfene enrolling him in a rehabilitation facility while facilitating his career revival.
He led him to a rematch against Nyangani, with Kuse producing a scintillating performance to regain his crown and set him on course to conquer the world.
While Kuse dumped Tengimfene to join the Brian Mitchell Academy in Johannesburg after beating Mitchell’s boxer, Beaven Sibanda, to claim the WBC silver belt in December, the boxer kept his eye on the big prize by following up that victory with an off-the-canvas win over Filipino Samuel Salva in May.
Kuse said he never expected to realise his world title dream so soon, figuring the opportunity would only come in 2026.
But the dream has not only been fulfilled but will make him part of history with the event set to be streamed live on global streaming giants DAZN.
Tengimfene said he was delighted to have played a role in changing Kuse’s life for the better and to help him realise his boxing dream.
“Our involvement in boxing is multifold in that it not only focuses on sport but helps build these youngsters and realise their dreams,” he said.
Berman said the fight would also be televised live by SuperSport, allowing SA boxing fans to watch their hero.
Daily Dispatch
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.