The one was South Africa’s first professional boxer to win the WBA Cruiserweight world champion title. The other – the World Boxing Council (WBO) Bridgerweight world champion, who will be defending his title for the first time on May 1st at the Sunbet Arena in Pretoria, against Ukrainian Serhiy Radchenko.

Two legends who met on Saturday in Parys – reflecting on the past and embracing the present. For Kevin Lerena, his heartfelt conversation with former world champion Piet Crous, who now resides in Parys, was nothing but “an absolute privilege and honour.” Lerena says it reminded him of the champions who paved the way for him.

Crous won his world title in 1984 against Ossie Ocasio from Puerto Rico at the Sun City Superbowl at the young age of 29, coached by Willy Toweel, who was also one of his biggest supporters. He then defended his title successfully against Randy Stephens, but lost his fight after standing tall against American Dwight Muhammed Qawi.

“Crous’ remarkable career from 1977 till 1987 inspires me every day,” Lerena said on Saturday.
Although he was too young to see Crous fight, he recognised the former world champion during a visit to the consulting rooms of Drs Gouws & Bell in Parys.

Lerena himself fought hard to secure his IBO Cruiserweight world title in 2017, defending it seven times. He then challenged the WBA heavyweight world title in 2022 and wrapped it up in 2023 with the interim WBC Bridgerweight world title.

Lerena’s fight against Radchenko to defend his WBC title is set to make history as it will be the first time the title will be defended on South African soil.