Kevin Lerena’s victory over former world title contender Mariusz Wach of Poland for the IBO heavyweight title at Emperors Palace over the weekend in Centurion, South Africa, has garnered much plaudits.
Former British multiple-world champion David Haye was among those congratulating Lerena.
Haye sent Lerena a personal message of congratulations in which he exclaimed, “Amazing combos!! Amazing Work. He (Wach) is a reputable heavyweight.”
Lerena implied that, despite the fact that his opponent had already battled some of the finest in the industry, he, too, had to be included in that group. “Mariusz Wach was as tenacious as a tiger. He has fought the greatest fighters in the world, including me. “Thank you all,” remarked Lerena.
And the brand new!!!!
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Best wishes, Kevin
WSB is delighted to support the best!
@Kevlerenaboxing image on Twitter: UB9fw7reC3
17 September 2022 — World Sports Betting (@WorldSportsBet)
“I trained well for the bout. I am not in the least man intimidated by men. It’s just a fight, and skills win on the night.”
Though much of the buzz leading up to the fight centered on Lerena (105kg) knocking out Wach (120kg) in the first round, the bout ran 12 rounds, with the hometown favorite emerging victorious. John Shipanuka and Patrick Mukondiwa scored the fight 120-108, and Tony Nyangiwe added a third score of 118-110.
Golden Gloves promoter Rodney Berman stated, “It won’t be long before (Oleksandr) Usyk, (Deontay) Wilder, and (Anthony) Joshua are spoken in the same breath as Lerena.” What an example to follow he is! The journey to greatness has only just begun!
“Kevin’s victory is wonderful for South Africa, not just in terms of boxing, but in general, as any country with a fighter in the heavyweight division will receive global exposure.
“We haven’t had a heavyweight contender in the B.I.N.A. code for perhaps 25 years, so it’s great to have Kevin now. Because of him, we will be able to promote South Africa worldwide because the heavyweight division is global.”