Melvin Jerusalem vs Siyakholwa Kuse

If you saw the first fight, you’re going to want to see this. WBC minimumweight champion, Melvin Jerusalem, makes his fourth title defence in a rematch against South African Siyakholwa Kuse. Jerusalem had also previously held the WBO version, winning the title in Japan, but lost it in his first defence to Oscar Collazo. Since then, he has won five in a row and is likely ranked second, behind Collazo, in the minimumweight division. 

When these two first met, they looked very equally matched, but the older champion pulled away in the championship rounds to create some separation in the scoring. That fight took place in Quezon City in the Philippines, and now the rematch takes place in Kuse’s backyard, Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, South Africa. Will home advantage be enough to swing things in the South Africans’ direction? 

Jerusalem is significantly older, at just over nine years Kuse’s senior, which, along with the location of the fight, could swing things in the younger man’s direction. If ever there were good odds for a shock win, this is probably it. 

In my opinion, like a fine wine, Jerusalem is in his prime right now. That’s why I’m going to go with the champion retaining his title on a squeaky tight decision away from home