Melvin Jerusalem ready for ‘biggest fight of his career’ in Thrilla in Manila II

In 1975, one of the most iconic fights in boxing history took place when Muhammad Ali and George Frazier completed their sensational trilogy in the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

50 years later, the world will bear witness to a modern tribute as Melvin Jerusalem, one of two remaining Filipino world champions, will defend his World Boxing Council (WBC) Minimumweight crown against Siyakhol Kuse.

This is not only a high-profile defense for Jerusalem, but it is also what he considers the “biggest fight” of his boxing career.

“Malaking karangalan po ‘to para sa akin kasi history po ‘to, anniversary ng Thrilla in Manila,” Jerusalem said. “Isa ‘to sa pinakamalaking laban ko bilang isang boksingero.”

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Inilarawan ni Melvin Jerusalem ang kanyang nalalapit na title defense kontra Siyakholwa Kuse bilang isa sa pinakamalaking laban ng kanyang karera, na ayon dito gagamitin niya ang kanyang buong lakas para manalo.#SportsNow #DWAR1494 #MelvinJerusalem #BoxingPH #WBCStrawweight pic.twitter.com/uLt7IZcNCe

— Abante Radyo DWAR 1494 (@DWAR1494) October 28, 2025

Jerusalem has held the WBC crown since last year after he toppled Japan’s Yudai Shigeoka. Since then, the Filipino has had two defenses, including a statement win in the rematch against Shigeoka.

The 31-year-old relishes the chance to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the historic event in front of his home crowd and the whole world watching.

“Sobrang excited ako kasi atin ito, e, ‘yong crowd sa atin. Ibang-iba pa rin yung sariling atin ang suporta,” he said.

“Tsaka 50th anniversary ito ng Thrilla in Manila. Excited ako kasi maraming bigatin na manonood kaya gagalingan natin yung laban natin,” added Jerusalem.

His opponent, Kuse, boasts a record of nine wins and two losses, including four knockouts. The card will also feature Olympian boxer Eumir Marcial and Ali’s grandson, Nico Ali Walsh.

The 50th anniversary of Thrilla in Manila will take place at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, Oct 29.

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