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The popular South African boxer is looking forward to fighting in front of his own fans.
Kevin Lerena will be back in the ring on Thursday night. Picture: Supplied
Reigning WBC bridgerweight world champion Kevin Lerena said it was an “incredible feeling” to be able to put his belt on the line on home soil when he does so on Thursday night in a big boxing extravaganza in Pretoria.
Lerena will go up against Ukrainian Serhiy Radchenko over 12 rounds in the main bout of “The Reckoning”, which is being held at the Sunbet Arena.
This will be the first time a WBC world title will be defended on South African soil – a landmark moment for boxing in South Africa, according to the organisers.
“It’s an incredible feeling to defend the WBC world title on home soil,” said Lerena.
“Being the first to do so in South African history makes it even more special, and becoming only the third-ever WBC champion is a huge honour. To be able to do it in front of my home fans and my loyal Lerena Army is truly special, and it’s an honour to make history with them.”
Lerena claimed the interim title in November 2023 with a unanimous decision over Senad Gashi and was elevated to full champion in October 2024 when Lawrence Okolie moved up to heavyweight.
The bridgerweight division, originally created by the WBC and later adopted by the WBA, sits between cruiserweight and heavyweight with a 224 lb limit (101.6kg).
Radchenko (11-7, 5 KOs), ranked fifth in the division, comes into the fight on a four-fight win streak, having recently outpointed 15-2-1 Andrej Pesic in Kiev. At 37, he aims to cause an upset in what promises to be a thrilling clash.
Lerena has 30 wins from 33 fights.
The fight card includes two thrilling day-time bouts while the co-main event will see Tulz Mbenge go up against Emmanuel Mungandjela over 10 rounds in the welterweight division.
The undercard fights will feature Thabiso Mchunu against Amandor Kalonji (cruiserweight), Chris Thompson against Mussa Ajibu (heavyweight), Lindo Khuzwayo against Sthembiso Maduna (featherweight) and Tietsetso Matikinca against Mbulelo Gubula (bantamweight).
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