Ecstatic Jerusalem banking on home support in title defense at 'Thrilla 2' show

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino boxing champion Melvin Jerusalem is relishing the opportunity to defend the World Boxing Council strawweight championship at home, as he takes on Siyakholwa Kuse Wednesday at the Thrilla in Manila II event in Quezon City.

Jerusalem and Kuse, during the weigh-in on Tuesday, both tipped the scales at 104.8 pounds.

Now, the Filipino will try to win his fifth straight match and retain his title anew, this time against the South African Kuse.

“Sobrang excited ako kasi atin ito e. Saka 50th anniversary ito ng Thrilla in Manila,” Jerusalem told reporters on Tuesday.

“Okay lang naman, excited lang ako kasi maraming bigatin na manonood, kaya gagalingan talaga natin yung laban natin,” he added.

He also stressed that it is a big boost for him to have the homecourt advantage.

“Yung crowd sa atin. Ibang-iba pa rin yung sariling atin ang suporta.”

The 31-year-old Jerusalem is holding a 24-3 win-loss record. He won 12 matches via knockout.

His opponent is 22 years old and is holding a 9-2 win-loss slate.

The pride of Bukidnon underscored that he will have experience as his advantage against his much-younger foe.

The Jerusalem-Kuse bout will be the main event of the fight card, which will also feature a matchup between Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Marcial and Eddy Colmenares for the WBC International Middleweight strap; rising star Carl Martin and Aran Dipaen; and former champion Marlon Tapales against Fernando Toro.