FIGHTING WORDS Kevin Lerena (second from left) did not ‘pull any punches’ in his pre-fight press conference ahead of his WBC bridgerweight title bout at The Reckoning, against Serhiy Radchenko in Pretoria. Picture: Farryn Sherman
Image: Farryn Sherman
Though the time for big talk is over before The Reckoning, SA’s Kevin Lerena has guaranteed he will come away victorious against Ukrainian Serhiy Radchenko in their WBC bridgerweight title bout, at SunBet Arena in Time Square, in Pretoria, on Thursday.
Lerena was speaking at his pre-fight press conference in Pretoria on Monday, when he laid out the challenge for his opponent.
It will be Lerena’s first time stepping into the ring since his unsuccessful WBO global heavyweight title fight against Australian Justis Huni in Saudi Arabia last March.
The 32-year-old said while he respected his opponent, it would not change the result.
Kevin Lerena Promises Dominant Performance Against Serhiy Radchenko
“I’m in great shape, I’m feeling healthy. This is just business for me. Nothing personal. Serhiy was on social media calling for the fight, and I understand that,” said Lerena.
“The fight could have happened in Ukraine, so big respect to Serhiy Radchenko. But I’m a different beast. A different name, a different animal. And you’re going to see on Thursday night.”
Lerena has also been something of a flag-bearer for South Africa in boxing, and it has allowed him to rub shoulders with some of the biggest names in the sport.
“There’s no ‘this is a new Kevin’, I’ve always been this Kevin. I fought at the highest level against the biggest names.
“I respect Radchenko because he’s the WBC silver champion so I’ve had to prepare very hard in order to beat Radchenko. But beat him, I will do.”
Speaking through a translator, Radchenko, meanwhile, revealed a quiet confidence.
“I respect Kevin, and for accepting this challenge to fight me. It will be the first time I am world champion.”