It’s time for the WBC World Title Eliminator this weekend and we know in who’s corner we’re going to be…
Kevin Lerena, known for his southpaw (L) stance, will head to Emperors Palace to face Ryad Merhy, an Ivorian-born Belgian boxer. Lerena hasn’t reached this point without putting in the yards and intense training leading up to the big event.
With an admirable work ethic, Kevin has been utilising every opportunity to maximize his training efforts, with Under Armour firmly in his corner as he steps into the spotlight for what promises to be his most challenging campaign yet.
On Saturday, 13 May Lerena and Merhy will come face to face in a fight scheduled for 12 rounds in the Heavyweight division. At 31 years old, Lerena steps into the ring with a record of 28 wins, 2 loses and 0 draws, 14 of those wins coming by the way of knock out – a resume bound to make any opponent break a sweat.
With a mere 4cm height advantage over Merhy, Lerena is arguably the more experienced fighter having made his debut in 2011, 1 year and 6 months earlier than Merhy, having fought 40 more professional rounds than Merhy’s 155.
On Monday 8 May both WBC World Eliminator fighters were brought together for the first time ahead of the highly anticipated battle, as media were afforded the opportunity and access to a first-hand glance of what the public can expect ahead of the weekend battle.
When asked if after two years Lerena feels stronger and more ready to have this fight against Ryad Merhy, he confidently responded with: “Am I bigger, am I better? Of course, you know, in two years we’ve evolved a lot and I am sure he has also, so it’s going to be a good fight. Ryad Merhy is a tough competitor, we know that he is a good fighter, but the best must fight the best and I’ve always put my hand up for that, I’m not scared of anybody, and I’m just really excited for the fight! If you don’t believe in yourself, if you have any doubt in yourself, you shouldn’t be getting in the boxing ring – these are two warriors that will be going to war on Saturday night, and may the best man win. Do I feel like the best man? Most definitely.”
Lerena’s career success to date is largely chalked up to his fastidious and relentless commitment to conditioning and preparation. “If I ever lose a fight, it will only be because my opponent is a better fighter. It will never be due to fitness”, proclaims Lerena.
He continues to say: “I had a career defining loss and now it’s time we go on that upward trajectory again with a career defining win. This victory will mean the world to me as it will jet star us straight into the stratosphere where we belong amongst all the world champions and we’ll get another shot at the heavyweight championship of the world!”
When asked to provide input on how to ‘cultivate a winning edge’, Kevin provided the following informative points:
1) Take on the Opponent
The size of your component should never matter to you– as a professional, you should be able to take on anyone. I keep in my mind’s eye that the man in front of me is fighting to take my career away; to take food from my kids. I hold onto this raw emotion and won’t let that happen. Aside from working hard up to the day of the fight, I strive to remain positive and never – not for a moment – doubt my ability to win.
2) Gym Time and Fighting Focus
The physical preparation is rigorous. I train 8 to 10 hours a week, some days for one session and other days for two sessions. I need to spend at least 1.5 hours in the boxing gym each day, while conditioning lasts ideally for 45 to 60 minutes. Each pre-fight training camp has a slightly different format – what’s key is the team you have around you and how good they are at helping you implement the training and game plan to perfection.
3) Keeping the Faith
I’ve never been knocked out, probably because I work so hard on my defence and the ability to duck and dive the punches. Your mental ability – your positivity and the strategies you use – will certainly help you get back up after a defeat. Surrounding myself with people who, themselves, cultivate a positive mindset is a massive bonus in the time prior to a big fight.”
“I come to win – you know, my last fight I lost and I hadn’t lost in eight years, so I am hungrier, I am smarter, I’ve taken a lot of lessons after that loss and I’m looking forward to victory. I know how good Ryad Merhy is, but the higher the level of my opponent, the higher I can climb, so I am looking forward to the fight. And, I will be victorious!”
By day, Kevin Lerena is a talented boxer with aspiring dreams. By night, the proud South African works as a paramedic for Emer-G-Med saving people’s lives. But, the most coveted title on his resume is that of “dad”, which he proudly puts at number one on the list as a doting father of three. When it comes to family, Lerena uses one word to describe his life, which is “blessed”.
May 13 is set to be action-packed, full of heat, packing a punch, and seated to capacity with #TeamLerena supporters.
The event starts at 19:00 with Kevin expected to take centre court around 21:00 at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park. For tickets, contact Marie on 061 444 5021.
