Jerusalem beats Kuse on points to retain WBC minimumweight belt

MANILA, Philippines — Melvin Jerusalem took care of business at home, outpointing a game Siyakholwa Kuse of South Africa to defend the World Boxing Council minimumweight championship in the "Thrilla in Manila 2" card early Thursday.

Jerusalem won on all three judges' scorecards, 115-113 and 116-112 (twice), to successfully defend his title for the third time in front of a partisan home crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

In an action-packed bout that featured lots of exchanges, neither fighter appeared to be in serious trouble.

Jerusalem, fighting mostly while on his toes, spent most of the 12-round bout darting in and out to try to tag the challenger with significant blows.

But Kuse also had his moments, catching a lounging Jerusalem with solid counter shots for several times. But the South African simply lacked power to hurt the reigning champion.

"Magaling din yung kalaban natin," Jerusalem said, tipping his hat to Kuse.

The 22-year-old Jerusalem thus improved his record to 25-3, with 12 knockouts.

Kuse fell to 9-3-1 (4 KOs).