ONCE again, the call came from “Magic Man” matchmaker Mike Altamura and this time, the task was different.
“Hi Wasim, how are you? Do you happen to have anyone to fight Nico Ali Walsh?”
That was all I needed to hear.
Ali Walsh, the grandson of the great Muhammad Ali, was in need of an opponent for an anniversary show marking fifty years since the legendary Thrilla in Manila. This time, it’s a symbolic passing of the torch.
Half a century ago, Muhammad Ali widely regarded as The Greatest met Joe Frazier to decide who ruled the heavyweight division. The date was October 1, 1975, and the stage was the Araneta Coliseum in Manila. That brutal encounter, forever remembered as the “Thrilla in Manila,” remains one of boxing’s most iconic battles. After fourteen punishing rounds, Frazier’s corner stopped the fight, sealing Ali’s place in history.
Fifty years on, Muhammad Ali’s grandson looks to carve his own path in the sport. Nico Ali Walsh will fight Thailand’s Kittisak Klinson in the very same Araneta Coliseum, on the anniversary of his grandfather’s defining night — a nod to the past, though this one’s a non-title fight.
Fast-forward, and I now find myself in Manila with Klinson — a Thai middleweight on a mission to upset the odds. The 160-pounder, who owns a 10-2 record with six knockouts, brings a solid amateur background and has arrived in shape and focused. Interestingly, both he and Walsh share similar records and have each faced their own setbacks.
But more on that later.
The main event features two of the best minimumweights in the world: Filipino champion Melvin Jerusalem defending his crown against South Africa’s Siyakholwa Kuse, who is challenging for his first major title.
On the day I arrived, I spotted Team Kuse in the hotel lobby — alongside South African legend and former world champion Brian Mitchell, famously known as The Road Warrior. The next day, I tracked them down for a proper sit-down and was invited to a training session as Kuse shed the final few pounds before the weigh-in. As a fellow South African, introductions were quick, and boxing talk began right away.
I met Kuse, his trainer Manny Fernandez, and his son Richard at the hotel gym, with Mitchell joining us shortly after. Kuse, a man of few words, looked focused on the task at hand — to make weight and handle business in the ring. When I asked how he was handling the moment, he smiled slightly and said, “I’m feeling nervous but excited at the same time to be fighting on the Thrilla in Manila card.”
Kuse hails from East London, South Africa — a province long regarded as a hotbed for boxing talent, having produced many world champions. I asked the 22-year-old what the toughest part of camp was. “It’s the last few days, when you drop the final bit of weight,” he said.
When asked what statement he wanted to make, Kuse’s response was humble and measured: “I just want to say that on October 29th, I will be the new world champion.” And his approach for fight night? “I think using my straight left will be key in this fight.”
Trainer Manny Fernandez is a veteran coach who has guided Kuse through his recent fights and has seen major improvement. Friendly and passionate about the sport, Fernandez had his son Richard assisting him this week — a point of pride. “Richard had six pro fights and a tremendous left hook,” Manny told me. “He also boxed as an amateur, and now he’s helping me in the corner.”
Speaking about Kuse’s preparation, Fernandez added, “Kuse had an exceptional camp — we’ve been training for four months. I’ve trained ten world champions, and this camp was special. We stayed home for sparring, used our own partners like Ricardo Malajika, and we have an experienced corner here with Hall-of-Famer Brian Mitchell, my son Richard, and myself. I’ve been training pros since 1996.”
When asked what improvements he’s seen in the southpaw challenger, Fernandez didn’t hesitate. “His movement, balance, and punching power. On Wednesday, you’ll see a different Kuse from his last fight. He’s very humble and absorbs information quickly.” As for what a win would mean, he added, “It would mean everything — for him, for his family, and for where he comes from. He’s from the Eastern Cape, moved to Johannesburg only nine months ago, and now he’s fighting for a world title. What a great job the promotional team has done.”
Mitchell, ever the mentor, added, “First, he beat Beaven Sibanda. He’s won many fights, he’s the South African champion, the ABU champion — and right now, he’s number one in the world. He deserves this shot at the world title.”
As I wrapped up the interview, Kuse finished his sweat session and stepped onto the scales — 48 kg, just 500 grams over the limit, exactly where his team wanted him.
At the ceremonial weigh-in a few hours later, I caught up with Melvin Jerusalem, the reigning WBC world champion. Calm and composed, he spoke about his preparation. “I’ve prepared for this fight for a long time,” he said. “I also trained in Japan — we’re ready for the world tomorrow and look forward to giving our best fight in the ring. Kuse has a very amateur style, so we brought in many sparring partners who could replicate that.”
When asked what’s next if he gets past Kuse, Jerusalem was quick to stay grounded. “My only focus now is Kuse.” I also spoke with Jim Manangquil of Sanman Boxing, who manages the champion. “Kuse is a good fighter,” Manangquil said. “If we beat him tomorrow, the next step is a unification fight. Of course, it’s Collazo first — Melvin wants his revenge. If he doesn’t fight us, then we want Taduran. But Collazo is our priority.”
Both fighters made weight this morning — 104.8 lb apiece — and looked sharp and ready. The Thrilla in Manila anniversary show, co-promoted by Manny Pacquiao Promotions, promises fireworks. The undercard features former unified champion Marlon Tapales facing Venezuela’s Fernando Toro, Eumir Felix Marcial taking on Eddy Colmenares, and Nico Ali Walsh squaring off with Thailand’s Kittisak Klinson — a matchup that started with one simple phone call.
