Rematch option for Melvin

MANILA, Philippines — Melvin Jerusalem has the option to fight a trilogy with Siyakholwa Kuse who wrested his WBC minimumweight title via a unanimous 12-round decision at the Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, South Africa last Saturday.  In their first meeting, Jerusalem outpointed Kuse in the main event of the “Thrilla In Manila” 50th anniversary card at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last October.

Kuse got his revenge and survived a knockdown in the 11th round to dethrone Jerusalem in the rematch. Judge David John Irving of Northern Ireland saw it 116-112, judge Thabo Spampool of South Africa, 116-11 and Filipino judge Jerold Tomeldan, 115-112, all for Kuse.

Jerusalem was cut over his right eye from an accidental headbutt in the second round and the wound worsened as the fight wore on with the spewing blood obstructing his vision. Jerusalem’s manager JC Manangquil said at least five stitches sewed up the cut after the bout.

“Melvin was doing OK at the start then he got cut in the second round and also in the third that really cost him,” said Manangquil. “The cuts were a big factor. There were also cuts sa may taas ng ulo, sa may buhok kaya di makita but were big and deep. They were all headbutts but it’s part of boxing. Just no luck that night.” The referee was Maybin Kante of Zambia.

Manangquil said WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman was at ringside and assured Jerusalem of his support if he opts for a trilogy. “Don Mauricio was very proud of Melvin, with all the cuts early, he fought well and even scored a knockdown in the 11th,” said Manangquil. “Sabi niya, WBC will support if we decide on a trilogy or if Melvin moves up to lightflyweight, he’ll be ranked highly. Melvin can still make 105 but not as easy as before. We’ll talk to decide what to do after a week.”