Fight in Manila: Magsayo Headlines Event in Jerusalem

On October 29, 2025, the Araneta Coliseum in the Philippines will play host to another significant boxing event, organised by Hall-of-Famer Manny Pacquiao. The main event of the night will see WBC Minimumweight World Champion Melvin Jerusalem defend his title against Siyakholwa Kuse, the WBC Silver minimumweight champion.

Jerusalem, who currently holds a record of 24-3 with 12 knockouts, defended his crown last year in Mandaluyong City, Philippines, by defeating Luis Castillo via lopsided unanimous decision. His most recent victory came against Yudai Shigeoka in a dominating unanimous decision in Japan on March 30, 2025.

Kuse, rated No. 2 by the WBC, has fast-tracked his road to a world title shot after being picked as Melvin Jerusalem's challenger in the 2025 event. His most recent victory was a unanimous decision over Samuel Salva last May 31, 2025, in South Africa. Kuse's record stands at 9-2-1 with four knockouts.

Jerusalem has stated that he needs to be cautious of Kuse's fighting style, as Kuse is taller than him. This will be Jerusalem's second world title defense in the Philippines.

The challenger for Jerusalem, Tatsuro Nakashima, was initially scheduled to face Siyakholwa Kuse in a WBC world title eliminator, but this plan changed, and Kuse will now challenge Jerusalem instead.

In addition to the main event, Mark Magsayo will face Michael Magnesi in a WBC super-featherweight title eliminator in the co-main event of the same event. The winner of this match will become the mandatory challenger for the WBC super-featherweight champion, O'Shaquie Foster.

The event features some of the best Filipino fighters and promising Pinoy prospects, including Marlon Tapales, Carl Jammes Martin, Eumir Marcial, Weljohn Mindoro, Arvin Magramo, Albert Francisco, Roderick Bautista, Benny Cañete, Eman Bacosa, and Ronerick Ballesteros.

Interestingly, the Araneta Coliseum was also the venue for the famous boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, known as The Thrilla in Manila, on October 1, 1975. Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of Muhammad Ali, is also scheduled to see action in the event.

Melvin Jerusalem, who has been given another opportunity to fight in his home country by Manny Pacquiao, is currently training in Japan and will return to Cebu City to continue his training at the Zip-Sanman Wellness Center in Banawa. The highly anticipated bout between Jerusalem and Kuse promises to be an exciting addition to the rich boxing history of the Araneta Coliseum.