Melvin Jerusalem and Siyakholwa Kuse face off ahead of their boxing showdown in the "Thrilla in Manila 2," October 28, 2025 in Quezon City. ABS-CBN News
MANILA -- Melvin Jerusalem is brimming with confidence ahead of his title defense against rising South African contender Siyakholwa Kuse in the main event of "Thrilla in Manila 2" -- a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the legendary match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
In the weigh-in on Tuesday, the 30-year-old Jerusalem said he was "100%" ready and confident that he will retain his WBC minimumweight title.
"Malaking karangalan po ito para sa akin kasi ito ay isang history din… Walang pressure, excited kasi maraming manonood na magagaling," said Jerusalem.
Ali defeated Frazier in their unforgettable heavyweight bout held on October 1, 1975 at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Fifty years later, several Filipino boxers will take the stage at the Big Dome on Wednesday night for their turn in the spotlight.
Having trained rigorously in the months leading up to this event, Jerusalem expressed his thrill at the chance to represent his country during such a historic moment.
"Ang feeling ko sobrang saya parang nanalo sa lotto kasi ang laban na ito, isa 'to sa pinakamalaking laban ko sa buong buhay ko sa pagiging isang boksingero," he said.
As he prepares to face the powerful Kuse, Jerusalem reassures his fans that both he and the Filipino boxing community are ready for the challenge.
"Ready-ing ready na tayo kasi 'yung mga Pilipino naka-ready na rin sila na manood sa laban natin kaya excited na lahat. Bukas na natin ipapakita 'yung ano natin kasi naka-ready na kami lahat sa hinaharap," he added.
Jerusalem also took a moment to express his gratitude to his supporters and everyone involved in making this event happen.
"Kaya malaking pasasalamat ko po sa bumubuo nito lalong-lalo kay Manny Pacquiao… at lahat ng mga Pilipino na sumusuporta, maraming salamat po," he said.
The historic event also features a stacked undercard showcasing some of the country's finest boxing talents.
In the WBC Strawweight Championship, Carl Jammes Martin of Ifugao collides with Thailand's Aran Dipaen in a 10-round showdown.
Olympian Eumir Marcial seeks to defend his WBC International Middleweight title against Venezuela's Eddy Colmenares, while Arvin Magramo of Parañaque stakes his WBC International Light Flyweight crown against Cebuano challenger Berlan Robles.
Rising star Ronerick Ballesteros of Pangasinan battles Speedy Boy Acope of Cebu for the Philippine Youth Lightweight Championship, and in another exciting clash, Albert Francisco of Parañaque meets Ramel Macado Jr. of General Santos City for the WBC International Flyweight title.