Melvin Jerusalem Outpoints Siyakholwa Kuse to Retain WBC Minimumweight Title in Quezon City Homecoming
The Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Philippines, erupted with pride on October 29, 2025, as Melvin Jerusalem defended his WBC minimumweight title via unanimous decision (116-112, 117-111, 115-113) against Siyakholwa Kuse in a gritty 12-round battle. Headlining a vibrant card featuring local prospects, Jerusalem’s technical mastery and relentless pace outshone Kuse’s spirited underdog effort, marking the champion’s third successful defense. Broadcast details remain pending, but the bout, starting at 9:00 p.m. PHT, electrified a packed crowd of 15,000, amplified by Quezon City’s fight-week fervor, including street festivals and fan meet-and-greets. X posts like @BoxingAsiaX hailed it as “Jerusalem’s homecoming masterclass,” cementing his status as a Filipino boxing hero in the 105-pound division.
Fight Overview
Jerusalem vs. Kuse topped the main card at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, kicking off at 9:00 p.m. PHT after prelims at 6:00 p.m. PHT. Slated for around 10:30 p.m. PHT, the fight carried massive stakes: Jerusalem, 31, aimed to solidify his reign and honor his home crowd, while Kuse, a 28-year-old South African challenger, sought to shock the world. Bet365 odds listed Jerusalem as the -300 favorite, reflecting his technical edge, with Kuse at +240, buoyed by his durability. X buzz framed it as a classic champ-versus-hungry-challenger story, with @PinoyPunchX posting, “Melvin’s speed vs. Kuse’s heart—Quezon City’s ready!” The 15,000 fans, fueled by fight-week events like a Manila fan expo and live music at Cubao, created a deafening atmosphere. X polls leaned 65% toward Jerusalem’s precision, with 35% backing Kuse’s upset potential, per @GlobalBoxingX.
Melvin Jerusalem The 31-year-old from Manolo Fortich, Philippines, entered with a 22-3 record (12-2 major titles), including 13 knockouts. At 5’2” with a 65-inch reach, the orthodox fighter’s speed is elite, averaging 6.5 significant punches per round with 57% accuracy (Compubox). His 2024 knockout of Yudai Shigeoka earned him the WBC belt, showcasing his crisp combinations. Training at Elorde Boxing Gym, X clips showed him sharpening footwork with Nonoy Neri to evade Kuse’s pressure. His 68% jab accuracy and local stardom make him a fan favorite, with @FightPH tweeting, “Jerusalem’s a national treasure; untouchable at 105.”
Siyakholwa Kuse The 28-year-old from Cape Town, South Africa, carried a 15-2 record (3-1 major titles), with 9 knockouts. At 5’1” with a 64-inch reach, the orthodox brawler’s tenacity shines, landing 5.8 punches per round at 50% accuracy (Compubox). His 2024 decision win over Siphamandla Baleni earned this shot, highlighting his relentless pressure. Training at Hot Box Gym, X footage showed him drilling body shots with Vusi Mtolo. @AfricaBoxingX noted, “Kuse’s +240 odds scream value for that grit.”
The Fight: Round-by-Round Breakdown
Round 1: The Quezon City crowd roars as Jerusalem opens with a double jab, keeping Kuse at bay with his 1-inch reach edge. Kuse presses forward at 1:30, landing a stiff right to the body, but Jerusalem counters with a sharp left hook at 2:15, reddening Kuse’s cheek. Compubox counts Jerusalem landing 25 of 45 punches to Kuse’s 12 of 30, with no clinches. @BoxingPHX scores it 10-9 Jerusalem, tweeting, “Melvin’s too quick; Kuse’s chasing shadows.”
Round 2-3: Kuse finds rhythm in Round 2, slipping a jab at 0:45 and landing a three-punch combo to Jerusalem’s ribs. The champ answers with a straight right at 2:00, snapping Kuse’s head back. Round 3 sees Jerusalem dominate with footwork, landing 30 of 50 punches to Kuse’s 15 of 35, circling to avoid pressure. A cut opens above Kuse’s left eye at 2:50. Judges likely give Jerusalem both, 20-18, per @RingAsiaX: “Melvin’s precision is surgical; Kuse’s toughness tested.”
Round 4-6: Kuse surges in Round 4, bulling Jerusalem into the ropes at 1:20 and landing a heavy body shot that draws a grimace. Jerusalem escapes, firing a four-punch flurry at 2:30 that deepens Kuse’s cut. Rounds 5-6 are Jerusalem’s showcase: he outlands Kuse 78-55, using angles and a stinging jab. A Round 6 uppercut wobbles Kuse briefly. Compubox scores both 10-9 for Jerusalem. @FightWaveX: “Melvin’s in control; Kuse’s heart keeps him alive.”
Round 7-9: Kuse rallies in Round 7, landing a looping right at 1:45 that staggers Jerusalem, igniting the crowd. He outlands the champ 22-18 in the round. Round 8 sees Jerusalem regain range, peppering Kuse with 38 of 60 punches, targeting the cut. Round 9 is a firefight: both trade furiously, but Jerusalem’s 28 of 50 edges Kuse’s 20 of 42. Scores likely 10-9 Kuse in 7, 10-9 Jerusalem in 8-9. @BoxingVibeX: “Kuse’s got guts, but Melvin’s too sharp.”
Round 10-12: Championship rounds test both. Kuse pushes in Round 10, landing a body hook at 1:30, but Jerusalem’s counter left at 2:45 bloodyies Kuse’s nose. Round 11 is Jerusalem’s masterclass: 40 of 65 punches, including a jab that slows Kuse. The final round sees Kuse swing desperately, but Jerusalem’s 32 landed punches seal it. Compubox finale: Jerusalem 210 of 385 to Kuse’s 145 of 320. Unanimous decision for Jerusalem, with @BoxRecAsia confirming, “Melvin’s a hometown hero!”
Key Moments and Impact
Jerusalem’s Technical Edge: His 210 of 385 punches (55% accuracy) overwhelmed Kuse’s 145 of 320 (45%), with the jab (68% accuracy) controlling range. @PinoyBoxX tweeted, “Melvin’s a clinic; that jab’s a weapon.” Kuse’s Resilience: His Round 7 stagger and 42 body shots kept him dangerous, but 48% accuracy couldn’t close the gap. @AfricaFightX: “Kuse’s heart was huge, just not enough.” Fan and Media Reaction: The 15,000 fans roared for Jerusalem’s flurries, with X polls favoring him 68%. @BoxingManiaX raved, “Melvin’s a star,” while @GlobalFightX noted, “Kuse earned respect.” Cut Impact: Kuse’s eye cut from Round 3 bled heavily, but his 5.8 punches absorbed per round showed durability. @RingPHX: “Kuse took a beating, never quit.”
Post-Fight Analysis and Implications
Post-fight with ABS-CBN, Jerusalem declared, “This is for the Philippines! Yudai, let’s unify!” His third defense, earning a $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus, marks his 23rd win. His 6.5 punches-per-round average, 55% accuracy, and zero knockdowns absorbed cement his elite status. A unification bout with Oscar Collazo looms, though his chin against heavier punchers is untested, per @BoxingTalkPH: “Jerusalem’s king, but Collazo’s power awaits.” Kuse, now 15-3, saluted the crowd, saying, “Melvin’s the best; I’ll climb back.” His first title loss doesn’t dim his stock, with 5.8 punches per round keeping him competitive. X suggests a rematch or a bout with Thammanoon Niyomtrong, @AfricaBoxX tweeting, “Kuse’s a warrior, he’s back in ‘26.” At 28, his 50% accuracy ensures contender status. The minimumweight division thrives, with Collazo, Shigeoka, and Pedro Taduran lurking. Jerusalem’s win solidifies his reign, while Kuse remains a threat. The card’s 60% decision rate added depth.
Event Context and Quezon City Atmosphere
The October 29 card was a Filipino fight-night spectacle, with Quezon City’s passion amplifying the drama. The co-main saw Dave Apolinario TKO Mark Anthony Geraldo in a bantamweight clash, while undercard standout Mark Vicelles scored a flyweight knockout. The 15,000 fans, hyped by Manila’s street festivals and Elorde Gym open workouts, created a patriotic frenzy. @BoxingPH tweeted, “Quezon City brought the fire!” The event’s 50% KO rate and local broadcast buzz marked it as a 2025 highlight, setting up December’s Japan card.
What’s Next?
erusalem targets a Collazo unification in March 2026, likely in Manila, to cement his legacy. A win could spark pound-for-pound talk. Kuse, eyeing a February 2026 return, could face Taduran to rebuild. His grit ensures draw power. This Quezon City thriller, fueled by a raucous crowd and a stacked card, crowns Jerusalem as 105-pound king, with Kuse poised for a comeback.
On October 29, 2025, Melvin Jerusalem outclassed Siyakholwa Kuse via unanimous decision, using speed and precision to retain his WBC minimumweight title. His 55% punch accuracy and hometown heroics set up a unification clash, amid Smart Araneta roars and a card full of heart. As Jerusalem eyes Collazo and Kuse plots his return, this Filipino epic shines as a 2025 gem, promising more 105-pound drama.
