Cape Dreams News from in and around the Cape
HERMAN GIBBS
17 May, 2026 — Siyakholwa Kuse delivered a remarkable performance to defeat Melvin Jerusalem and win the WBC mini flyweight title. This achievement ranks among the finest by a South African boxer in a world title fight.
Kuse, the 22-year-old southpaw from the Eastern Cape, known as ‘One Way’, secured a unanimous decision over the 32-year-old Filipino champion Jerusalem at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg.
This victory avenged his loss to Jerusalem in October 2025 in the Philippines, where all three judges had scored in Jerusalem’s favour. After that defeat, Kuse’s manager, former world champion Brian Mitchell, believed Kuse had done enough to win, but the team chose to pursue a rematch instead.
Golden Gloves secure the rematch, headlining the “One Way to Redemption” event. This time, Kuse outperformed Jerusalem, who had previously defended his title three times after winning it in Japan in December 2024.
All three judges scored the fight decisively in Kuse’s favour (116–111, 115–112, 116–112).
Despite being knocked down in the 11th round, he demonstrated resilience by finishing the challenging 12-round match strongly.
Under the tutelage of trainer Manny Fernandes, Kuse displayed excellent conditioning, maintaining power and stamina throughout the fight despite the knockdown.
One of the most impressive aspects of the bout was Kuse’s ability to withstand Jerusalem’s strongest attacks. Even Jerusalem’s best punches failed to trouble him, which would have proved soul-destroying for the defending champion.
Fernandes deserves credit for crafting an effective fight plan at the Brian Mitchell Academy.
Kuse comes from Mdantsane, an East London township renowned as a ‘Boxing Mecca of South Africa’ for producing many world champions. However, none of its previous champions had won a WBC title until now.
Notable boxers from Mdantsane include Welcome ‘The Hawk’ Ncita, Vuyani ‘The Beast’ Bungu, Mbulelo ‘Silent Slayer’ Botile, and Masibulele ‘Hawk’ Makepula.
With this victory, Kuse becomes only the fourth South African to hold a WBC title, joining Dingaan Thobela, Sugarboy Malinga, and Kevin Lerena.
Golden Gloves will very likely ensure that his first title defence takes place on home soil.