Decorated South African boxer Kevin Lerena has shifted into full fight mode as preparations intensify for his WBC bridgerweight world title defence against Ryad Merhy at The Dome in Charleroi, Belgium, on May 30.

Nicknamed ‘Two Guns’, Lerena is leaving nothing to chance ahead of the high-stakes rematch. The Johannesburg pugilist outboxed Merhy to a unanimous decision victory in 2023, but this time, his intentions are far more emphatic.

“Preparations are good. I’m in full training camp at the moment,” Lerena said on the sidelines of the St Dunstan’s College Easter Sports Festival VIP launch on April 1.

“I’m defending my title against Ryad for the second time. It’s a rematch and we have to defeat him. I beat him the first time. This time, I must knock him out in his home country. That’s what I’m going for.”

From schoolboy athlete to world champ

While his focus is firmly on business in the ring, Lerena also took time to invest in the future of sport, delivering a heartfelt and hard-hitting address to learners on the eve of the festival.

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Speaking candidly, the former King Edward VII School pupil reflected on his own journey from schoolboy athlete to world champion, reminding learners that success is rarely linear.

“Don’t put pressure on yourself to say this is exactly where I’m going to end up. Let life play itself out for you and be humble,” he said.

Lerena emphasised that adversity is an unavoidable part of both sport and life, sharing lessons from his own setbacks, from early career defeats to the emotional challenge of competing on the global stage under personal strain.

Resilience defines success

He also reflected on the highs and lows of his career, including a dramatic heavyweight clash against Daniel Dubois and the emotional challenge of fighting for a world title just a day after losing his mother.

Through it all, his message was that resilience defines success.

“Be humble, but always be hungry. Nobody will outwork me,” he said.

Lerena encouraged learners to embrace the lessons that sport offers, such as discipline, perseverance, and humility, stressing that these values extend far beyond the field.

“Win at life because sport is only the beginning,” he concluded.

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