South Africa’s Siyakholwa Kuse has been honoured with the prestigious Boxer of the Month award by the World Boxing Council after capturing the WBC World Strawweight Championship on 16 May 2026, defeating the pride of the Philippines’ Melvin Jerusalem by unanimous decision in a thrilling battle at Kempton Park, South Africa.
Kuse, who made his professional debut in June 2018, has built an exemplary career on skill, grit, and discipline. Before reaching ultimate glory, he was crowned a three-time national strawweight champion under the sanctioning of Boxing South Africa, and in December 2023, he captured the African Boxing Union (ABU) title. His history with the WBC added a golden chapter in December 2024, when he claimed the organisation’s Silver title following a gruelling 12-round war against Beaven Sibanda.
After falling just short of glory in October 2025 in a razor-thin decision against Jerusalem in the Philippines, ‘Siya’ rectified his loss at home, backed by his promoter Rodney Berman and his team.
“I am extremely happy. When I debuted as a professional, I told myself: ‘I need that Green and Gold Belt.’ I saw other champions with titles from other organisations, but I always wondered why the WBC one was so special. I went after it, today I have it with me, and I couldn’t be happier,” declared the new Green and Gold Monarch.
Meanwhile, the WBC extends a highly deserved Honourable Mention to the American Oshaquie Foster, who last weekend reaffirmed his status as one of the most talented and technical fighters today by successfully defending his WBC World Super Featherweight Championship, decisively defeating dangerous challenger Raymond Ford.
Foster has built an admirable career marked by resilience. Since crowning himself world champion, he has displayed impressive boxing evolution, characterised by an elusive style, sharp technique, and a ring IQ that allows him to neutralise the most demanding opponents. His recent triumph against a fighter of Ford’s calibre solidifies his supremacy at 130 pounds and keeps him among the elite of world boxing.
“The World Boxing Council is pleased to announce its highest boxing distinctions for the past month, recognising the courage, perseverance, and excellence inside the squared circle of two extraordinary warriors who made the boxing world vibrate,” the WBC said.
