World Boxing Council (WBC) strawweight (47.6 kg) world champion Melvin Jerusalem is preparing to enter the ring to defend his title for the third time in Manila, Philippines, in October.
"Originally, Jerusalem was scheduled to face Mexican athlete Daniel Valladares, but due to logistical changes, Siyakholwa Kuse of South Africa has been confirmed as his new opponent," the WBC said in a statement on its official website, as quoted in Jakarta on Sunday.
Jerusalem won the WBC strawweight world title in March 2024 by defeating Yudai Shigeoka via split decision in Nagoya, Japan.
In his first title defense in September 2024, Jerusalem successfully overcame the resistance of Luis Castillo of Mexico to win by decision.
The Filipino boxer returned to the ring in March for a rematch against former champion Shigeoka for the second defense of his title.
In-form Jerusalem returned to winning ways with a unanimous points victory over Shigeoka in a 12-round bout in Tokoname, Japan.
