Melvin Jerusalem couldn’t help but soak in the ambiance on the eve of his latest title defense.
The two-time and reigning WBC strawweight titlist saluted the adoring crowd on hand for the official pre-fight weigh-in ahead of Wednesday’s show at Araneta Coliseum in Manila, Philippines. Jerusalem weighed 104.8lbs, as did South Africa’s Siyakholwa Kuse who challenges for the title on the celebrated “Thrilla in Manilla 50th Anniversary” show.
Jerusalem, 24-3 (12 KOs) will attempt the third defense of the WBC belt he claimed in a 12-round, split decision over then-unbeaten Yudai Shigeoka last March 31 in Nagoya, Japan.
The feat marked the second title reign for the 31-year-old from Manolo Fortrich, who previously held the WBO belt. His reign ended in a May 2023 stoppage defeat to Oscar Collazo, currently the lineal, WBA and WBO 105lbs champ.
In his most recent start, Jerusalem scored a repeat win over Shigeoka on March 30, on the road in Tokoname. Wedged in between their two-fight series was a 12-round shutout of unbeaten Luis Castillo last September 22 in Mandaluyong City, Jerusalem’s previous fight on home soil.
Kuse, 9-2-1 (4 KOs) enters his first career title fight, as well as his first-ever fight outside of South Africa. He carries a six-fight win streak into an opportunity he accepted as a replacement for Daniel Valladares, a former titlist who had to withdraw from the fight due to visa issues.
The show - presented by Manny Pacquiao's MP Promotions - celebrates the 50th anniversary of the historic Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier rubber match.
Fittingly to that theme, Wednesday’s event will feature Nico Ali Walsh, Ali’s grandson who will face Kittisak Klinson. Both boxers weighed 159.6lbs for their scheduled eight-round middleweight contest.
Below are the weights for the full card.
Melvin Jerusalem (104.8lbs) vs. Siyakholwa Kuse (104.8lbs)
12 rounds, for Jerusalem’s WBC 105lbs title
Eumir Marcial (158.7lbs) vs. Eddy Colmenares (159.6lbs)
10 rounds, middleweight
Marlon Tapales (125.1lbs) vs. Fernando Toro (125.1lbs)
10 rounds, featherweight
Carl Jammes Martin (124.6lbs) vs. Aran Dipaen (124.8lbs)
10 rounds, 125lbs contracted limit
Nico Ali Walsh (159.6lbs) vs. Kittisak Klinson (159.6lbs)
8 rounds, middleweight
Arvin Magramo (108lbs) vs. Berland Robles (107.3lbs)
10 rounds, junior flyweight
Alberto Francisco (111lbs) vs. Ramel Macado Jnr (111.7lbs)
10 rounds, flyweight
Ronerick Ballesteros (133.8 lbs) vs. Speedy Boy Acope (133.8lbs)
8 rounds, lightweight
Kenneth Albino (114.2lbs) vs. Adrian Dulayba (114.9lbs)
6 rounds, junior bantamweight
Eman Bacosa (135.4lbs) vs. Nico Salado (136.8lbs)
6 rounds, lightweight
Georgiy Yunovidov (227.3lbs) vs. Chris Thompson (232lbs)
8 rounds, heavyweight (IBA pro bout)
Vadim Tukov (159.1lbs) vs. Sena Agbeko (159.9lbs)
8 rounds, middleweight (IBA pro bout)
