Kuse, The Ring's No. 2-rated strawweight, made the most of his second opportunity by winning 116-111, 116-112 and 115-112 on the scorecards.

"I am very happy, feeling good," Kuse (10-3-1, 4 KOs) told The Ring. "I cannot explain what I feel. This is the start of my dream."

Both fighters fought on even terms during the early exchanges and the WBC's open scoring saw each man ahead on one scorecard, while the third card had their bout even through four frames.

However, the defending champion didn't come out of those rounds unscathed and bore two cuts, one near his eye and another on top of his head, from head clashes in the second and third rounds.

"The fight was not easy, the champion came prepared," he said. "He went to Japan to prepare for this fight and came to South Africa early to acclimatize.

"Most of the time, southpaw and orthodox headbutt each other. It was him who was coming with the head. It was not a blow [that caused the cut] it was a headbutt."

The challenger upped the pace, took the initiative and was ahead after eight rounds across the board, leading 78-74, 78-75 and 77-75. Just as the fight seemed to be getting away from Jerusalem, he dropped Kuse in the 10th round.

"I was trying to catch him with the hook but he was fast with his straight right," explained Kuse. "After he caught me when I was down, I couldn't believe it. I wasn't dizzy, I stood up and continued doing what I was doing. I cannot say I was hurt, I still collected points after that."

The fight went to the scorecards and the South African became the fourth fighter from his country after Kevin Lerena, Sugar Boy Malinga and the late Dingaan Thobela to hold the WBC title.

"I did feel I got the decision but at the same time I was thinking about the knockdown and could lose the fight but coach Manny told me, 'Don't worry, you were leading even if he knocked you down,'" he said.

Kuse is living in the moment and leaving what's next to his team, whilst enjoying a rare treat.

"My thoughts are to stay focused and stay in the gym," he said. "I will wait for anything that comes and will start defending the title.

"I didn't celebrate after the fight. I celebrated on Tuesday because it my birthday. I bought some cake and ate it with my gym mates."

Golden Gloves CEO Rodney Berman, who has long been the continent's biggest and most prolific promoter, has produced many world champions over the past five decades including Vuyani Bungu, Welcome Ncita, Mbulelo Botile and Hekkie Budler.

However, despite so many highs in the sport, the veteran promoter is thrilled to add Kuse to that list and believes a big future awaits.

"There is absolute euphoria amongst the whole boxing fraternity in South Africa capturing everyone's imagination," Berman said, before confirming there was a rematch clause in place for a trilogy bout.

"I am hopeful of agreeing with Jerusalem to step aside for a first defense. Of course, there is always the possibility of [Ring, WBA/WBO champion Oscar] Collazo wanting to unify."