South African boxer Siyakholwa Kuse secured a historic 12-round unanimous decision victory over Melvin Jerusalem on Saturday, May 16, 2026, to claim the WBC strawweight world title. The bout, held at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park near Johannesburg, saw the local challenger avenge a previous loss and become the first-ever WBC world champion from South Africa’s Eastern Cape province.
The ringside judges delivered scorecards of 116-111, 116-112, and 115-112, all in favor of Siyakholwa Kuse. This result marks a significant redemption for the southpaw, who had lost a unanimous decision to Melvin Jerusalem in October 2025 at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Philippines. Prior to the rematch, Kuse had expressed confidence that fighting in front of his own people would be the catalyst for holding the belt.
Promoter Rodney Berman, CEO of Golden Gloves, brokered the rematch after a planned unification fight between Jerusalem and Oscar Collazo fell apart in March 2026. Berman had previously criticised the “disparity in scoring” during the first fight in Manila, where two judges had Jerusalem winning by four points. The return bout solidified Kuse’s standing as a world-class operator in the minimumweight category.
Breakthrough win establishes Eastern Cape’s first WBC champion
By capturing the WBC world title, Siyakholwa Kuse has joined an elite group of South African fighters. He is only the fourth South African in history to hold a WBC title and the first to win one on home soil since Dingaan Thobela in 2000. Kuse described the achievement as the “start of his dream,” noting that he had originally expected his first world title opportunity to arrive much later.
The financial and personal implications of the win are substantial for Kuse. He has spoken openly about using his success to improve his family’s living conditions, stating, “I will do everything for my family. I will buy a house for them.” Much like how women’s boxing has seen individuals rise to change their family’s fortunes, Kuse’s victory at Emperors Palace provides him the platform to do the same.
Kuse’s preparation for this high-stakes rematch involved intense sessions with trainer Manny Fernandes and sparring with the Malajika brothers. The focus in camp was on increasing his work rate and throwing power punches, while also correcting deficiencies in his guard. These adjustments proved vital as Kuse effectively utilized straight-lefts and right hooks to control the pace of the contest.
Tactical adjustments and resilience at Emperors Palace
The fight dynamics were competitive from the outset, with open scoring after four rounds showing a split of opinions among the judges. However, the momentum shifted as the rounds progressed. By the eighth round, Melvin Jerusalem was bleeding profusely, though the Filipino champion continued to press. Kuse faced a brief scare in the 11th round when he suffered a flash knockdown, but he quickly recovered without appearing shaken.
Siyakholwa Kuse now moves to a professional record of 10 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw, with 4 knockouts. His career has been defined by his ability to avenge setbacks; he previously reclaimed his South African title by defeating Bangile Nyangani in 2023, the man who had handed him a loss four years earlier. His tactical growth mirrors that of the greats of the sport, such as when Roberto Duran identified cerebral opponents as the ultimate test for any champion.
While the boxing world often focuses on major domestic rivalries like the long-discussed Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua clash, Kuse’s victory brings much-needed attention to the lighter divisions. The strawweight class remains a technical showcase, and Kuse’s performance highlights the depth of talent currently residing in South Africa’s boxing gyms.
Future of the WBC strawweight title
For Melvin Jerusalem, the loss drops his professional record to 25 wins and 4 losses. Jerusalem, who was 31 at the time of the first fight, remains a top-tier contender despite losing his title on South African soil. His ability to compete at the highest level suggests he could remain a factor in future title discussions within the 105-pound division.
Kuse’s focus now turns to title defenses and further refinement. The new champion acknowledged that he still needs to “prove himself” by making continued corrections to his defensive guard and power-punching frequency. With the backing of Golden Gloves, the Eastern Cape’s first WBC titleholder is positioned to become a central figure in the region’s sporting history.
The “dream start” Kuse envisioned is now a reality. From winning three South African national titles to capturing one of the most prestigious belts in world boxing, his journey serves as a significant milestone for South African boxing. The victory not only satisfies regional pride but also re-establishes South Africa as a prominent host for major world title fixtures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the final scores for the Kuse vs Jerusalem fight?
Siyakholwa Kuse won via unanimous decision with scorecards of 116-111, 116-112, and 115-112. All three judges saw the South African as the clear winner over the 12-round duration.
Where was the WBC strawweight title fight held?
The championship bout took place at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, located near Johannesburg, South Africa. This marked the first time since 2000 that a South African won a WBC title on home soil.
Is this the first time Siyakholwa Kuse and Melvin Jerusalem have fought?
No, this was a rematch. The two first met in October 2025 in Manila, Philippines, where Jerusalem won by unanimous decision to retain the title before losing it in the South African rematch.
