Five months after comprehensively outpointing the recently-retired Yudai Shigeoka, WBC strawweight champion Melvin Jerusalem has a new title defence in tow.

After four away trips in his last six appearances, the 31-year-old heads back home to his native Philippines to face first-time title challenger Siyakholwa Kuse.

BoxingScene were first to report on the fight booking overnight, with an October date 'soon to be scheduled' in the country's capital city Manila.

Jerusalem (24-3, 12 KOs) was originally slated to face former IBF beltholder Daniel Valladares (31-4-1, 19 KOs) though visa issues prevented the Mexican from making the trip.

A proposed rematch with RING, WBA and WBO champion Oscar Collazo (12-0, 9 KOs) remains possible down the line, little over two years removed from being stopped after seven rounds in May 2023.

Collazo will defend his unified titles against Jerusalem's compatriot Jayson Vayson on September 20 as part of Golden Boy's championship doubleheader, featuring undisputed flyweight queen Gabriela Fundora.

South Africa's Kuse (9-2-1, 4 KOs) has reeled off a six-fight win streak since longtime domestic foe Bangile Nyangani edged past him via 12-round majority decision in July 2021.

He recorded a majority decision win of his own against previously-unbeaten contender Beaven Sibanda in December for the WBC Silver belt, then followed that up with a 10-round points nod beyond one-time title challenger Samuel Salva on May 31.