Inquirer
Melvin Jerusalem shoulders weight of ‘Thrilla’ anniversary
Filipino boxer Melvin Jerusalem is set to defend his WBC minimumweight title against South African challenger Siyakholwa Kuse in "Thrilla in Manila 2", an event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the iconic Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier fight.
Jerusalem, 31, expressed excitement and confidence, stating he is "101 percent" ready and sees defending his title on such a historic occasion as a significant honor.
He described the opportunity as immense, comparing the feeling to winning the lottery and recognizing it as one of the biggest fights of his career.
The "Thrilla in Manila 2" event takes place at the Araneta Coliseum, the same venue that hosted the legendary 1975 bout between Ali and Frazier.
Kuse, who is fighting on foreign soil for the first time, stated, "If you want to be a champion, you must beat the champion."
Jerusalem, from Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, is riding a four-fight streak and will be among several Filipino boxing stars featured on the 13-bout card.
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Melvin Jerusalem successfully defended his World Boxing Council minimumweight championship against Siyakholwa Kuse of South Africa via unanimous decision.
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World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight champion Melvin Jerusalem is focused on his upcoming title defense but also has his sights set on a rematch with Oscar Collazo, the fighter who handed him his last defeat.
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Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, fought to a majority draw against Thai opponent Kittisak Klinson in an eight-round exhibition match at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
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President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos attended the 50th anniversary celebration of the "Thrilla in Manila" at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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WBC strawweight champion Melvin Jerusalem and Olympic medalist Eumir Marcial expressed excitement for Manny Pacquiao's 'Thrilla 2' event, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Thrilla in Manila.
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