Latest news with #Lerena
IOL News
5 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Kevin Lerena Promotes Fistic Havoc: A New Era for African Boxing
BOYD Allen will be headlining the bill of the Aquilla Boxing Promotions hosted Fistic Havoc at the Sandton Convention Centre. | Supplied It is a fight that excites Lerena: 'This fight speaks to everything we're trying to do at Aquila. It's about opportunity, it's about quality matchups, and it's about putting African talent on a bigger stage. We don't want to just put on fights, we want to raise the standard. If you're fighting under the Aquila banner, it means you're part of something bigger.' Allen, a former Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) superstar takes on Botswana's undefeated Kagiso Bagwasi with the IBO All Africa Super Welterweight title at stake. To be headlined by the fast-improving Boyd Allen, whose switch from Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) to boxing has been phenomenal, the eight-fight bill promises to be a thrilling affair. The fledgling promotions company has been steadily carving out a new lane for local boxing, one that respects tradition but demands excellence. And this latest offering on June 21 speaks to exactly that. FRESH FROM successfully defending his WBC Bridgerweight title, Kevin Lerena trades the gloves for a suit this month in his role as promoter when his Aquilla Boxing Promotions hosts Fistic Havoc at the Sandton Convention Centre. It is what Allen wanted when he made the switch of sport – he took a rare move for a competitor, he abandoned the world of success and started anew. "I wanted it to be consistent. I wasn't looking for the sporadic flashy matchup. I wanted to construct something again.' And he has done exactly that alright, the man who had built up a 16-6-1 MMA record in featherweight and lightweight fights chalking up eight victories with a draw and a defeat in the sweet science of boxing. 'He's not a crossover guy, he's a total pro," Lerena says. "What Boyd's accomplished is a one-off. He did not just show up- he evolved. This is his new normal.' On paper, Allen is ring-wise. He's been tested. He's been around the block a few times. He's fought under adversity. But facing him in the ring will be a real headache – Bagwasi is a rising star from across the border with an impressive unbeaten record in his six fights – three of which he won by stoppages. His explosive first-round knockout of Almighty Moyo in March raised eyebrows across the region and made him a serious title contender. For Allen, the mission is clear: win the belt, silence any lingering doubts, and continue building toward a legacy not just as an MMA standout, but as a legitimate boxing force. He's not chasing hype — he's chasing greatness. 'This fight is important,' Allen has said. 'Not just for the title, but for everything I've put into this sport since stepping away from MMA. I'm all in.' Also all in are the backers of Lerena and Aquila Boxing Promotions, a fact the man they call Two Guns is quick to acknowledge. "We're beyond grateful to have powerhouse partners in our corner, the kind who don't just support the vision, they supercharge it. Massive thanks to my sponsors: World Sports Betting, Tigris Wealth, Supersport, JCP Steel, and HP. Without your backing, this event wouldn't be the premier, high-calibre showcase it is today. You don't just elevate the event — you define it." Boyd will be out to define his already blossoming career on fight night.
IOL News
6 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Boyd Allen: Transitioning from MMA Star to IBO All Africa Boxing Contender
GOING FOR GLORY Boyd Allen (right), former MMA star, aims for IBO All Africa boxing glory against undefeated Kagiso Bagwasi at South Africa's 'Fistic Havoc' event on 21 June. Picture supplied. While fans remember Allen for his MMA dominance — boasting a 16-6-1 record during his EFC reign — his pivot to boxing in 2018 was never a side project. Headlining this high-octane event is a Super Welterweight war for the IBO All Africa Title, a compelling continental clash between South Africa's Boyd Allen and Botswana's unbeaten southpaw threat, Kagiso Bagwasi. Lerena will be leaving his boxing gloves at home for this event as the ambassador for Aquila Boxing Promotions (ABP). Following The Reckoning in Pretoria last month, which saw Kevin Lerena defend his WBC bridgerweight title , the stage is now set for another big boxing event in South Africa when the 'Fistic Havoc' event takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre on June 21. Boyd's Journey: From Grit to Glory in the African Boxing Arena 'Boyd's story is exactly the kind of journey we want to spotlight,' said Lerena. 'He didn't walk in expecting shortcuts. He started from scratch, took risks, and built his boxing career brick by brick.' Since making his professional debut in October 2018, he has compiled a record of eight wins, one loss, and one draw, with notable victories that highlight his evolution from striker to structured, thinking boxer. He snatched the WBA Pan African title in just his third pro bout — a statement of intent — and has only grown sharper since. Now, standing between him and the IBO All Africa gold is Kagiso Bagwasi, a slick, powerful fighter from Botswana with an unblemished 6-0 record and a 50% Knock-Out (KO) rate. Bagwasi's recent first-round demolition of South African powerhouse Almighty Moyo turned heads across the region and confirmed what insiders already knew — the kid can punch, and he comes to finish. But for Aquila Boxing Promotions, it's also about the bigger picture. 'We're beyond grateful to have powerhouse partners in our corner — the kind that don't just support the vision, they supercharge it,' said Lerena. 'Massive thanks to my sponsors: World Sports Betting, Tigris Wealth, Supersport, JCP Steel, and HP. Without your backing, this event wouldn't be the premier, high-calibre showcase it is today. You don't just elevate the event — you define it. 'South African boxing has the talent, the heart, the legacy. What it needs is infrastructure, consistency, and belief. That's what ABP is committed to delivering.' IOL Sport
The Star
02-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
‘Big fight' awaits Kevin Lerena after easy KO in WBC title defence
Matshelane Mamabolo | Published 5 hours ago KEVIN Lerena is spending a restful weekend in Sun City as he anticipates his 33rd birthday on Monday, his standing as South African boxing's golden boy still intact. 'Two Guns' gave himself the perfect pre-birthday gift on Thursday night by making a successful maiden defence of his WBC bridgerweight title, courtesy of a superb third-round TKO of Ukrainian challenger Serhiy Radchenko at the Sunbet Arena in Pretoria. And while a second defence is no doubt what's next in line, those thoughts will be far removed from his mind at least for the next week. His coach Pete Smith said immediately after the fight that there are plans for a 'huge fight' soon as they celebrated a victory that once again illustrated Lerena's boxing skills and punching power. 'During the period of being absent (Lerena had not fought for 14 months), I said to Kevin, 'You have to make a statement because the world is watching'. And they saw a true champion tonight.' A fight that had been anticipated to be evenly-fought, given Radchenko's standing as the silver champion of the division, quickly degenerated into a no-contest as the South African smashed the challenger to the canvas with a left hook in the second round. There was a second knockdown shortly thereafter as Lerena pummelled Radchenko, clearly looking for an early night. The bell saved the Ukrainian, but the champion fell on him like a ton of bricks at the start of the third, and his corner came to his rescue by throwing in the towel. Smith said while it would have been grand for his boxer to get a few rounds to help rid himself of the ring rustiness, they were not going to risk things. 'A fight is a fight. The danger is always at bay. We could not take a chance. We've been working on those precise movements that brought about this result. 'And now we are looking at having a big fight after this.' Such is Lerena's popularity that the Arena was packed by a vociferous crowd that chanted his name and sang 'Go Kevin Lerena' to drown out the ring announcer as he introduced the fighters. Typically, some part of the crowd booed when Radchenko's name was called out, and the roof went off as though the South African had already won. You knew he was ready to rumble when he sang heartily to the national anthem, raising his hands up at the end of it as if in victory. And he got that victory alright, Lerena scoring a sensational stoppage in what was a historic first ever WBC world title defence by a South African on home soil. 'I told you, 14 months no fighting. They were taking food off my kids' table, but when I turn up, I'm going to beat anyone,' Lerena said. 'It's an absolute honour. The biggest champions – the late Dingaan Thobela, Sugarboy Malinga – are so good to be mentioned along with those legends,' he said afterwards in reference to South Africans who held WBC world titles. Turning only 33 on Monday, there can be no denying that Lerena has the time to achieve enough success in the ring to elevate himself to the status of South African boxing legend.
IOL News
02-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
‘Big fight' awaits Kevin Lerena after easy KO in WBC title defence
Kevin Lerena SA champion Kevin Lerena lands a right hand in his WBC bridgerweight title fight against Serhiy Radchenko of Ukraine. Photo: ALEXIUS VAN DER WESTHUIZEN Image: ALEXIUS VAN DER WESTHUIZEN KEVIN Lerena is spending a restful weekend in Sun City as he anticipates his 33rd birthday on Monday, his standing as South African boxing's golden boy still intact. 'Two Guns' gave himself the perfect pre-birthday gift on Thursday night by making a successful maiden defence of his WBC bridgerweight title, courtesy of a superb third-round TKO of Ukrainian challenger Serhiy Radchenko at the Sunbet Arena in Pretoria. And while a second defence is no doubt what's next in line, those thoughts will be far removed from his mind at least for the next week. His coach Pete Smith said immediately after the fight that there are plans for a 'huge fight' soon as they celebrated a victory that once again illustrated Lerena's boxing skills and punching power. 'During the period of being absent (Lerena had not fought for 14 months), I said to Kevin, 'You have to make a statement because the world is watching'. And they saw a true champion tonight.' A fight that had been anticipated to be evenly-fought, given Radchenko's standing as the silver champion of the division, quickly degenerated into a no-contest as the South African smashed the challenger to the canvas with a left hook in the second round. There was a second knockdown shortly thereafter as Lerena pummelled Radchenko, clearly looking for an early night. The bell saved the Ukrainian, but the champion fell on him like a ton of bricks at the start of the third, and his corner came to his rescue by throwing in the towel. Smith said while it would have been grand for his boxer to get a few rounds to help rid himself of the ring rustiness, they were not going to risk things. 'A fight is a fight. The danger is always at bay. We could not take a chance. We've been working on those precise movements that brought about this result. 'And now we are looking at having a big fight after this.' Such is Lerena's popularity that the Arena was packed by a vociferous crowd that chanted his name and sang 'Go Kevin Lerena' to drown out the ring announcer as he introduced the fighters. Typically, some part of the crowd booed when Radchenko's name was called out, and the roof went off as though the South African had already won. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ You knew he was ready to rumble when he sang heartily to the national anthem, raising his hands up at the end of it as if in victory. And he got that victory alright, Lerena scoring a sensational stoppage in what was a historic first ever WBC world title defence by a South African on home soil. 'I told you, 14 months no fighting. They were taking food off my kids' table, but when I turn up, I'm going to beat anyone,' Lerena said.
The South African
02-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kevin Lerena stops Serhiy Radchenko in explosive return to the ring
South African boxer Kevin Lerena made a triumphant return to the ring with a dominant third-round stoppage of Ukraine's Serhiy Radchenko at the BetSun Arena in Pretoria on Thursday night. After more than a year of inactivity, the Johannesburg-born Lerena wasted no time in asserting his dominance, thrilling the home crowd with a clinical and aggressive performance that improved his record to 31 wins and 3 losses, with 15 knockouts. From the opening bell, Lerena controlled the pace of the bout, using his jab to keep Radchenko at bay and setting up punishing power shots that repeatedly pierced through his opponent's high guard. Radchenko, now 11-8 (5 KOs), struggled to mount any meaningful offence in return. The second round proved decisive, as Lerena landed a series of heavy left hooks, the first of which drove Radchenko into the ropes and the second dropping him hard to the canvas. Though Radchenko bravely got to his feet and attempted to survive by clinching, another knockdown followed shortly thereafter. Despite two knockdowns and signs of visible distress, Radchenko's corner allowed him to continue into the third round. Kevin Lerena capitalised swiftly, landing a final combination that dropped Radchenko to his knees. This time, his corner threw in the towel, prompting the referee to wave off the contest. Speaking after the fight, Lerena expressed his readiness to climb back into the international spotlight and issued a direct challenge to Britain's Fabio Wardley. 'I want bridgerweights, heavyweights – let's go!' Lerena declared in the ring, drawing loud cheers from his supporters. Lerena, who famously dropped Daniel Dubois three times in the first round of their 2022 clash before being stopped himself, now looks poised for another big-name bout in the heavyweight or bridgerweight divisions. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
