Siyakholwa Kuse captured the WBC minimumweight world title with a unanimous decision victory over Filipino champion Melvin Jerusalem at Emperors Palace on May 16.

Kuse, who trains and fights out of Johannesburg South, overturned his previous loss to Jerusalem in Manila last October to claim the belt on home soil.

The fight started fairly evenly, with both boxers trading carefully in the opening rounds.

Kuse began to take control from the sixth round, adjusting his approach after his corner urged him to use more straight shots, such as his powerful jab.

His counter-punching proved decisive down the stretch.

Jerusalem briefly dropped Kuse in the 11th round, but the South African responded well to see out the fight and secure the win on the judges’ scorecards.

Promoter Rodney Berman said Kuse is expected to make at least one title defence in South Africa before any move toward a unification bout.

Speaking after the fight, Kuse said both fighters came prepared this time around.

“We both are experienced, technical fighters and our skills were on display. It was a hard-fought victory and I believe I deserved it,” said Kuse.

The new champion said he is now looking forward to celebrating back home in Mdantsane.

Siya became only the fourth South African to achieve a WBC title. A truly monumental achievement.

The win marks Kuse’s first world title and establishes him as one of South Africa’s leading names in the lighter weight divisions.