Jerusalem, Magsayo to see action in ‘Thrilla in Manila 2’ card

Sports

ONE will try to remain on top while the other one will look to become a world champion again.

Two top Filipino boxers will see action under one card as Melvin Jerusalem and Mark Magsayo battle separate opponents as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of Thrilla in Manila on October 29 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Magsayo will trade leathers with Michael Magnesi of Italy in a super featherweight title eliminator. A victory by Magsayo, the former World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight champion, will set him up in a world title fight against O’Shaquie Foster, the reigning superfeatherweight king.

The 30-year-old Magsayo, the pride of Tagbilaran City, Bohol, has been undefeated since moving up to the 130-pound division. He won his last four fights that hiked his record to 28W-2L with 18 knockouts.

Magnesi, on the other hand, has 25 wins and just two losses. He has 13 knockwout victories and is on a two-fight winning streak.

Meanwhile, Jerusalem, the reigning WBC minimumweight champion, will clash with No. 2 contender Siyakholwa Kuse of South Africa.

Jerusalem, the 31-year-old pride of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, will defend his WBC strap for the third time after winning it via a split decision win against Yudai Shigeoka.

Jerusalem parades a 24W-3L record with 12 knockouts.

The 22-year-old Kuse is on a roll as he won his last six fights for an impressive 9W-2L-1D record with four knockouts.(CCM)