Melvin Jerusalem retained his World Boxing Council minimmumweight championship over Siyakholwa Kuse of South Africa via unanimous decision in the "Thrilla in Manila 2" event at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday.

Jerusalem won after he scored 115-113, 116-112 and 116-112 in he now boasts a record of 25 wins and three losses.

Still, the 31-year-old pug didn't let his guard own against Kuze, who now has a record of 9-3-1.

"The opponent we faced tonight is good. He fights smart and could be a world champion someday" Jerusalem said.