Lerena ready to take on Mann
Kevin Lerena will return to the ring defending his title against Artur Mann.
IN what will be a humdinger of a fight, Kevin Lerena will return to the ring after an absence of almost a year due to injury.
Lerena will have a face-off with Artur Mann from Kazakhstan in the International Boxing Organisation, IBO, Cruiserweight World title bout over 12 rounds.
“No Mercy” Box ‘n Dine will be presented by Golden Gloves Promotions in conjunction with Emperors Palace on March 16. Doors open at 7pm.
Apart for the injury sustained which warranted an operation to the shoulder, he also had to fight against a doping test which he tested positive during the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association done on October 18, 2018, in Johannesburg. Subsequently, he has been cleared by the IBO Championships Committee over doping, which meant that the 26-year-old will keep his Cruiserweight belt.
Returning to the ring and defending his title in these circumstances will mean that he will have to come out strongly facing Mann, who is 15-0, 8 KO’s and a big challenge on his world title.
Mann is undefeated in 15 fights and comes to South Africa to fulfil his dream and is full of confidence that he will return home with the belt.
On the other hand, the champion, Lerena, boasts, 21-1, 9 KO’s.
“Don’t wish me luck but rather wish me well. I truly go by the words that “luck is for the unprepared”. I prepare for war, my hard preparation is where my opportunities happen – No luck needed, I am prepared,” said Lerena.
The fight card sees another five bouts apart for the main bout with new sensation from EFC showing his demanding boxing skills, Boyd Allan, challenging for the WBA Pan African junior-middleweight title over 12 rounds against John Bopapae.
To open proceedings Thembani Mhlanga will take on Roarke Knapp in a middleweight contest over eight rounds.
Frank Rodriquez and Michael Markram will take to the ring for the Gauteng light heavyweight title over 10 rounds.
In an international middleweight bout over eight rounds, Araik Marutjan from Germany will come up against Nkululeko Mhlongo. In a Cruiserweight bout, Faradji Said will take on Keaton Gomes over eight rounds.
Book your seat and contact Jeff Ellis on 078 457 3030.
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