Melvin Jerusalem vs. Siyakholwa Kuse: Who has the edge heading into their fight?

WBC strawweight world champion Melvin Jerusalem will look to end his 2025 campaign with another title defense when he clashes with Siyakholwa Kuse at Araneta Coliseum in Manila, Philippines on Wednesday.

Ever since being stopped by Oscar Collazo in May 2023, Jerusalem (24-3, 12 KOs) has not only regained his world championship status but has rattled off two title defenses amidst this four-fight win streak. The Filipino fighter will be up against South African Kuse (9-2-1, 4 KOs) who is enjoying a six-fight win streak, having last defeated Samuel Salva via unanimous decision in May.

Will Jerusalem continue his winning ways with another dominant title defense? Or will Kuse, in his first fight outside of South Africa, shock the boxing community by becoming a world champion in a major upset?

With the ante all the way up for this championship showdown, DAZN News analyzes who has the edge between the titleholder and his bold challenger.

Boxing Styles

Melvin Jerusalem has snap to his jab which he works behind well, piecing together quick bursts of forward-fighting combinations off the stick.

The all-action boxer also makes pounding deposits to the body, hindering opponents’ movement and output over the course of a fight.

The WBC strawweight world titleholder will be up against a rangy, tactical southpaw in Siyakholwa Kuse. The challenger can make things interesting considering Jerusalem is susceptible to the body and left hand as exploited by another southpaw in Oscar Collazo during their May 2023 fight.

Plus, Kuse should have his motor revving quicker than Jerusalem’s considering he is more than nine years the champ’s junior.

That said, Jerusalem has accrued ring savvy that tilts this clash of styles in his favor.

Edge: Jerusalem

Power

Though he has not notched a knockout during his four-fight win streak, Jerusalem counts half of his 24 wins by KO, demonstrating his punching power from boxing’s most miniscule weight class.

Of Kuse’s nine pro victories, four came via knockout, showing punching power of his own.

Jerusalem gets the nod here, though Kuse can make things interesting by timing a well-placed left hook counterpunch.

Edge: Jerusalem

Mental Warfare

Kuse has never fought outside of his native South Africa, making the task of defeating Jerusalem in his native Philippines all the more difficult.

Therefore, Kuse cannot be overwhelmed by the moment as this bout marks the biggest fight and best opponent of his career by far.

By the sound of it, Kuse vows to be ready, even giving himself a bottom line.

“I have to win this fight,” Kuse told the Powcast Sports Podcast recently. “I must put nervousness aside and focus in the fight.”

The gutsy challenger also told the same outlet “I’m taking that belt home!”

It sure sounds good though he will be hard-pressed to overcome Jerusalem’s steep experience edge.

Edge: Jerusalem

Who has the edge in Jerusalem vs Kuse?

DAZN News has the edge residing with the champion in Melvin Jerusalem, 3-0. However, if Kuse – like Oscar Collazo managed – can find a home with his left hand, this bout can become really interesting, really fast.

Maneuvering through hostile territory in Manilla will be step one. Resolving Jerusalem’s style will be step two.

Both will be uphill battles to overcome.

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