South African boxer Kevin Lerena is moving back down to cruiserweight to rebuild toward a third world title, starting with a crucial fight this November. Picture: Official Kevin Lerena Media
Kevin Lerena is taking his first steps back toward the WBC cruiserweight throne, aiming for a November return in South Africa to spark another world title campaign.
“I'm hopefully fighting on the 7th of November in a stay-busy fight—a must-win fight—and then we'll see what the future holds,” Lerena said in an exclusive interview with IOL. “I'm rated number 5 in the WBC, so the next step with them would be fighting for a world title. But I've got to get a win—got to come off a win.”
The 34-year-old is coming off a frustrating setback in late May, where he lost his WBC bridgerweight title to Belgian rival Ryad Merhy. In a grueling 12-round rematch of their 2023 clash in Johannesburg, judges scored the fight 116–112, 117–111, and 115–113 for Merhy. The defeat prompted Lerena to make the firm decision to move back down to cruiserweight, which carries a maximum limit of 90.7 kg.
Now hard at work in the gym, Lerena is focused on shedding the necessary weight to make the division limit.
