The long-anticipated clash between Siya Kuse and Joey Canoy will be a final WBC eliminator following the approval of WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán.
With the green light now granted, the fight between the number two-ranked Kuse and number three-ranked Canoy will determine the mandatory challenger for the WBC minimumweight title, a bout that could catapult the winner into a world championship opportunity.
Given the added significance of the fight, promoter Rodney Berman will now add Kuse against Canoy to his planned July 17 tournament at Emperors Palace (originally a development show).
Berman, who began lobbying the WBC in early May, confirmed that plans are already underway – provided Kuse wins his big fight at the end of the month.
Kuse has been on a tear, having captured the WBC Silver belt in a thrilling win over Beaven Sibanda five months ago. Canoy, meanwhile, has quietly built momentum, extending his unbeaten streak to eight with a recent knockout victory that also netted him the WBC International title.
A win for either fighter would open the door to a title shot against WBC champion Melvin Jerusalem, a scenario that gains further intrigue considering Jerusalem is managed by Filipino boxing kingpin Jim Claude Manangquil, who also guides Canoy’s career.
First, however, Kuse must navigate a dangerous assignment against WBO number nine Samuel Salva on the “Coronation” fight card on May 31 at Emperors Palace. Once seen as a routine outing, the fight now carries added weight with the WBC eliminator looming.
A slip-up there would derail what has become a red-hot run – and delay the South African’s world title ambitions just as they’re beginning to crystallise.
