SIYAKHOLWA KUSE may have fallen short in his attempt at becoming world champion when he lost a unanimous points’ decision to WBC strawweight king Melvin Jerusalem in the Philippines on Wednesday night.
But the South African gave as good as he got to make the world notice him on an evening celebrating the anniversary of one of the sport’s most memorable fights. Kuse and Jerusalem traded leather at the Araneta Coliseum in Manilla, 50 years since Joe Frazier and Muhamad Ali dished out that gloriously brutal fight dubbed Thrilla in Manilla.
Thiers might not have been as thrilling, but Kuse and Jerusalem dished out great fare which the champion won via two 115-113 scores and a 116-112 ruling. The fight looked much closer than what the judges scored as Kuse appeared to have shaded a few of the earlier rounds as he fought on the front foot and gave the champion no respect. A late replacement for initial challenger Daniel Valladares – a former champion who had to withdraw from the fight due to visa issues – Kuse was not overawed by the occasion in any way.
His polished display far belied the fact he was in only his first fight outside of South Africa and was a rookie in a world title scrap. He started the opening round confidently by taking the fight to the champion though his punches were not that effective.
There was a clash of heads in the second round while Kuse slipped and fell before scoring with a good straight punch.
Jerusalem took charge from the fourth round and got Kuse bleeding from the nose in the fifth before the challenger used his good footwork and head movement well to send the champion punching thin air.
The man trained by Manny Fernandez who was assisted by the great Brian Mitchell appeared to fade late in the rounds and was at one stage pinned to the ropes as the crowd – among them the legendary Manny Pacquiao who promoted the fight – cheered Jerualem on.
The judges all gave the fight to the champion, but Kuse was not disgraced and showed just what a great prospect – the fight with Jerusalem being only his 13th in the paid ranks.
