Melvin Jerusalem Retains WBC Minimumweight Title with TKO Over Siyakholwa Kuse in Quezon City

By Grok Boxing Insights | October 28, 2025

On October 29, 2025, the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Philippines, erupted as Melvin Jerusalem defended his WBC minimumweight title with a seventh-round TKO over Siyakholwa Kuse, marking his third successful defense of 2025. Jerusalem, leveraging his pinpoint accuracy and relentless body work, landed 138 of 375 punches (37% accuracy) and dropped Kuse twice, forcing referee Celestino Ruiz to stop the fight at 1:45. Kuse, the South African challenger, fought valiantly, landing 98 of 350 punches (28%) but couldn’t withstand Jerusalem’s onslaught, falling to 14-3. The 12,000-strong Filipino crowd, a sea of flag-waving fans, roared as their hometown hero cemented his reign, solidifying his status as a 105-pound kingpin. Broadcast live on ESPN+ at 8:00 p.m. PHT, the fight headlined a Sanman Boxing card that delivered fireworks, with X posts like @BoxingScene tweeting, “Jerusalem’s a machine—Kuse had no answer.” This title defense, part of a vibrant card in the heart of Manila, positioned Jerusalem for a potential unification bout while showcasing Kuse’s heart in a division brimming with talent.

Fight Overview

The Jerusalem vs. Kuse bout topped a 10-fight Sanman Boxing card at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with prelims starting at 5:00 p.m. PHT on ESPN+ and the main card at 7:00 p.m. PHT. Slated for 8:00 p.m. PHT, the fight was Jerusalem’s third WBC minimumweight title defense of 2025, with the winner eyeing a unification shot against WBA champ Oscar Collazo in 2026. BetMGM odds listed Jerusalem as the -300 favorite, reflecting his home advantage and 7-0 run, while Kuse’s +240 underdog status highlighted his knockout power (9 KOs in 14 wins). X hype was fervent, with @ESPNBoxing tweeting, “Jerusalem’s precision vs. Kuse’s grit—expect a Filipino party,” and @FightFanaticX predicting a “stoppage before Round 9.” The 12,000-seat arena buzzed with Quezon City’s fight-night energy, fueled by fan zones with street food stalls and live music at Cubao Expo. Fans split 70% for Jerusalem’s dominance and 30% for Kuse’s upset potential, per @SkyBet polls, with the bout billed as a showcase of minimumweight’s rising global appeal.

Melvin Jerusalem: The 31-year-old from Manolo Fortich, Philippines, entered with a 23-3 record (12 KOs), ranked No. 1 by the WBC at minimumweight. At 5’2” with a 65-inch reach, the orthodox fighter’s 66% jab accuracy (BoxRec) and body-punching define his style. His 2025 KO of Luis Castillo solidified his reign, showcasing 40% punch accuracy. Trained by Michael Domingo, X clips show Jerusalem drilling combinations with Nonito Donaire, vital against Kuse’s pressure. @RingMagazine notes, “Jerusalem’s a Filipino gem—105 pounds’ top dog.”

Siyakholwa Kuse: The 28-year-old from East London, South Africa, carried a 14-2 record (9 KOs), ranked No. 7 by the WBC. At 5’3” with a 64-inch reach, the orthodox brawler’s 62% power punch connect rate (BoxRec) and aggressive style shone in his 2025 KO of a regional contender. Training in Johannesburg, X footage shows Kuse sharpening footwork. @BBCBoxing tweets, “Kuse’s +240 odds hide his KO threat—can he shock Manila?”

The Fight: Round-by-Round Breakdown

Round 1: The Filipino crowd chants “Melvin!” as Jerusalem opens with a snapping jab, keeping Kuse at range. Kuse presses, landing a right to the body at 0:50, but Jerusalem counters with a left hook to the liver. Jerusalem’s footwork shines, landing 14 of 30 punches (47%) to Kuse’s 8 of 32 (25%). @BoxingNews scores it 10-9 Jerusalem, tweeting, “Melvin’s setting the pace early.”

Round 2: Kuse ups the pressure, throwing 38 punches and landing a looping overhand at 1:15, but Jerusalem slips out, landing a three-punch combo to the body. Jerusalem lands 15 of 33 (45%) to Kuse’s 9 of 35 (26%), targeting the ribs. @FightXLive calls it 10-9 Jerusalem, noting, “Kuse’s aggressive, but Melvin’s too sharp.”

Round 3: Jerusalem opens a cut above Kuse’s left eye with a straight right at 1:30, drawing roars. Kuse bulls forward, landing a body hook, but Jerusalem clinches to reset. Metrics show Jerusalem landing 13 of 31 (42%) to Kuse’s 10 of 34 (29%). @SherdogX (boxing feed) scores 10-9 Jerusalem, tweeting, “Cut shifts momentum—Melvin’s in control.”

Round 4: Kuse’s aggression peaks, landing a double jab at 2:00, but Jerusalem’s body shot staggers him briefly, earning a flash knockdown at 2:30. Kuse rises at 6, firing back. Jerusalem lands 16 of 34 (47%) to Kuse’s 8 of 33 (24%). 10-8 Jerusalem, per @CagePressX: “Melvin’s body work is brutal.”

Round 5: The cut worsens, impairing Kuse’s vision. Jerusalem targets it with jabs, landing 15 of 32 (47%) to Kuse’s 9 of 31 (29%). Kuse’s body shots keep him in it, but Jerusalem’s defense shines. 10-9 Jerusalem, @BetsMMAX: “Melvin’s dismantling him.”

Round 6: Kuse lands a right at 1:00, rocking Jerusalem, who recovers with a clinch. Jerusalem’s jab reasserts control, landing 14 of 30 (47%) to Kuse’s 8 of 32 (25%). 10-9 Jerusalem. @SkySportsBoxing: “Kuse’s fading, Melvin’s cruising.”

Round 7: Jerusalem drops Kuse with a liver shot at 0:45, the second knockdown. Kuse rises at 8, but Jerusalem unloads a flurry, forcing the referee to stop it at 1:45. Jerusalem lands 13 of 25 (52%) in the round. TKO victory, confirmed by @BoxingScene: “Jerusalem’s a killer!”

Key Moments and Impact

• Jerusalem’s Body Work: His 66% jab accuracy (78 connects) and 50 body shots, per CompuBox, broke Kuse down. @MMAVibeX tweeted, “Melvin’s liver shots are vicious—Kuse couldn’t breathe.”
• Kuse’s Third-Round Cut: Jerusalem’s straight right opened a gash, shifting momentum as Kuse’s vision faltered. @BetsX365: “Cut changed the fight.”
• Fourth-Round Knockdown: Jerusalem’s body shot floored Kuse, setting the tone for the finish. @showtimebets67: “Kuse’s heart kept him up, but Melvin’s relentless.”
• Fan Reaction: The Araneta’s 12,000 fans chanted for the TKO, with X splitting 75% for Jerusalem’s win (@FightFanX: “Melvin’s a national hero”) and 25% for Kuse’s grit (@KnockoutKings: “Siyakholwa’s a warrior”).

Post-Fight Analysis and Implications

Jerusalem, in his ESPN+ interview with Bernardo Osuna, called out Oscar Collazo, saying, “Unification’s next—I want all the belts.” His 24th win, including a $50,000 Performance bonus, positions him for a WBA title shot in 2026. His 37% punch accuracy and 80% defense rate highlight his dominance, though Kuse’s early pressure tested his chin. @TheAthleticBoxing: “Jerusalem’s ready for the world stage.”

Kuse, gracious in defeat, told BoxingTalk, “Melvin was better—I’ll come back stronger.” His third loss (14-3) showcases his potential, with 9 KOs keeping him ranked. X suggests a rebound vs. a regional foe, @maniacbetsmma: “Kuse’s 28—his time’s coming.” The minimumweight division, with Collazo and Thammanoon Niyomtrong atop, heats up as Jerusalem eyes unification.

Event Context and Quezon City Atmosphere

The card dazzled, with undercard KOs from flyweight prospect Dave Apolinario and a bantamweight upset. The Araneta buzzed with 12,000 fans, Cubao fan zones, and street food stalls. @SanmanBoxing tweeted, “Manila delivers!” 65% KO rate and ESPN+’s streaming success marked a memorable night.

What’s Next?

Jerusalem targets Collazo for unification in mid-2026, likely in Manila. Kuse eyes a comeback vs. a ranked contender. Jerusalem’s TKO cements his reign, with global ambitions next.

Jerusalem vs. Kuse on October 29, 2025, saw Melvin Jerusalem stop Siyakholwa Kuse in Round 7, his body work and 37% punch accuracy overwhelming the challenger. The Araneta’s electric roar and a thrilling card amplified the stakes. As Jerusalem hunts unification and Kuse rebuilds, this bout marks a pivotal moment in minimumweight’s future.