Former world champion Kevin Lerena reflects on a historic 2025 and his transition back to cruiserweight as he anticipates the South African Sports Awards at Sun City. Picture: Official Kevin Lerena Media
As a former world champion, it would be fitting if Kevin Lerena were crowned SA Sportsman of the Year, and ‘Two Guns’ has been reflecting on a monumental 2025 ahead of Sunday's prestigious awards ceremony at Sun City.
“15 years of hard work, sacrifice, discipline, and dedication. Now a National Sportsman of the Year nominee, and I still feel like I have so much more to give,” Lerena shared on Facebook.
The nomination caps off an action-packed stretch for the 34-year-old power-puncher. In 2025, Lerena made history as the first South African boxer to successfully defend a WBC world championship, stopping Ukrainian Serhiy Radchenko in the third round of their bridgerweight clash before a roaring crowd of 7,600 fans in Pretoria.
Following that dominant defence, Lerena stepped up to the heavyweight ranks to face Lawrence Okolie for the WBC Silver Heavyweight title, ultimately dropping a competitive 10-round decision on points. Beyond his accomplishments inside the ring, Lerena made significant waves across the industry by co-launching Aquila Boxing Promotions (ABP), which staged four sold-out events broadcast live on SuperSport.
