Jerusalem vs Kuse: Writing History at Thrilla in Manila 2 | Thoughts and Prediction

A trip to the boxing history books awaits on October 29, as Melvin Jerusalem and Siyakholwa Kuse aim to write their own chapter while celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Thrilla in Manila.

Jerusalem will defend his world title for the third time, while Kuse looks to spoil the party and shock the Filipino crowd in his first-ever fight outside his home country, South Africa.

Jerusalem (24-3, 0 KOs) enters the bout as the clear favorite. He has the experience, the higher-level competition, and the home crowd advantage. However, the confident South African, who boldly claimed in his interview with SA Boxing Talk on YouTube that this fight would be “easy” and that he wouldn’t return home without the belt, is full of belief. That said, he’ll need much more than confidence to survive a rowdy Filipino crowd that will be overwhelmingly against him.

“I don’t think I can knock him out — I’ll win by decision,” said Kuse.

While that outcome isn’t impossible, it will be an uphill battle. As we say in the Philippines — “Don’t leave it in the hands of the judges.”

Kuse has a decent right-hook counter that could work well against Jerusalem’s straight right hand, but it may not be enough. He’s been dropped before by Samuel Salva, and although he escaped with a controversial win in that fight, such luck will be hard to come by in Manila.

Keys to Win & Prediction

Melvin Jerusalem is known for his aggressive, attacking style — that’s his brand of boxing. Kuse will likely attempt to counter and outbox him, relying on timing and defense. If Kuse can make Jerusalem miss and capitalize with clean counters, he might have a chance. But Jerusalem’s speed, precision, and pressure are likely too much.

With the energy of the home crowd and Manny Pacquiao himself expected to be in attendance, expect Jerusalem to go for a statement finish.

Prediction: Jerusalem by unanimous decision or late-round TKO.