By Kevin Rademeyer.
Credit Fullview for Image.
In 2001, the eyes of the boxing world turned to South Africa when Hasim Rahman stunned Lennox Lewis in the fifth round at Carnival City to claim the WBC heavyweight title. Lewis, seemingly untouchable and regarded as boxing royalty, was sent crashing to the canvas. In the years that followed, no fight on South African soil managed to recapture that same global spotlight.
That changed in December 2024, when South African entrepreneur Dewald Mostert, founder of Legacy Boxing Promotions, dared to dream big. At a time when boxing’s grandest spectacles are staged in cities like London, Las Vegas, New York, and Riyadh—where deep pockets and favourable exchange rates reign—Africa had all but faded from the global boxing map.
But Mostert was undeterred. He invested his own capital, rallied sponsors, and made a bold commitment few others were willing to. His vision was clear: to reignite professional boxing in Africa and give its overlooked fighters the stage they deserved. With 23 African boxers featured on a single bill—many of whom have toiled in obscurity despite South Africa boasting over 250 registered professionals—Legacy Boxing Promotions brought forth The Reckoning, a landmark event held on 1 May 2025 at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria. It was a night where dreams were no longer deferred but realised.
Topping the bill was Johannesburg’s own Kevin Lerena, making his first defence of the WBC Bridgerweight world title against seasoned Ukrainian veteran Serhiy Radchenko. Lerena, the 32-year-old, former IBO cruiserweight champion, was known for his explosive punching power and ring IQ, having already made seven successful title defences in his career.
But this bout meant more than a title defence. It was deeply personal. Lerena’s journey had not been without its setbacks—none more painful than his loss to heavyweight contender Daniel Dubois. In that explosive contest, Lerena floored Dubois three times in the opening round, only to be stopped himself in the third. It was a career-defining opportunity that slipped through his grasp. Now, with Dubois preparing to fight Oleksandr Usyk at Wembley Stadium in July, before 92,000 fans, Lerena understood just how close he had come to the pinnacle of the sport.
The five-fight daytime card built steadily to a crescendo. Though the early bouts drew modest crowds, the energy was undeniable. Each fight offered a platform for local talent to shine in front of international scouts, promoters, sponsors, and passionate fans yearning for boxing’s revival.
By early evening, the arena was packed with over 7,000 spectators, including more than 1,000 VIP and VVIP guests. Rising prospects Gary van Staden and Leo Careeri impressed on debut, while former South African heavyweight champion Chris “The Wolf” Thompson overwhelmed Malawi’s Mussa “The Elephant” Ajibu in a bruising contest.
Veteran cruiserweight Thabiso Mchunu—who famously took current heavyweight world champion Usyk nine rounds—edged a split-decision win over Amandor Kalonji. Meanwhile, fan favourite Tulz Mbenge clinically dismantled Emmanuel Mungand, who had vowed to bring war, only to fall short of his own rhetoric when the bell rang.
Just after 22:00, the atmosphere reached fever pitch. Kevin Lerena entered the ring to thunderous applause. Ringside sat a who’s who of South African society including politicians, celebrities, former world boxing champions, and UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis, all there to witness what many hoped would be a defining moment in South African boxing.
In the lead-up, Lerena made his motivations clear: “This fight is about more than just the belt. It’s about reminding people that South Africa belongs at the top of world boxing.” Focused and in peak condition, he added: “I’m in great shape. I’m feeling good, feeling healthy. This is just business, nothing personal. Big respect to Radchenko, but I am a different beast, a different man, a different animal. I promise you, I’m going to knock him out.” And knock him out he did.
After a measured opening round, Lerena exploded in the second. Radchenko had no answers. The referee could, and perhaps should, have stepped in multiple times as the Ukrainian absorbed a barrage of unanswered punches. Only the bell spared him from a stoppage.
Showing immense grit, Radchenko returned for the third round—but his legs were gone. Just 16 seconds in, his corner threw in the towel, bringing a swift end to a powerful and clinical performance from Lerena.
In the post-fight interview, a visibly emotional Lerena reflected on what the night meant: “After 14 months without a fight, I treated this like someone was trying to take food off my kids’ table. Nobody is going to do that. When I show up, I beat anyone—heavyweights, Bridgerweights. I got a call two days ago for a possible big fight. Let’s go, baby!”
He also paid homage to South African greats, saying: “It’s an absolute honour. The late Dingaan Thobela, Sugarboy Malinga—it’s incredible to be mentioned with those legends. I never thought I’d be here, but we’re here now. I don’t know what’s next, but I’ve got the victory. I’ll take a few days off, but I’ve put them on notice!”
For over two decades, South Africa has longed for a night like this. The Reckoning wasn’t just about belts or VIP tables—it was about giving boxing back to the people. Legacy Boxing Promotions treated fighters, trainers, the media, and fans with professionalism and dignity, rekindling a sporting spirit that had been dormant far too long.
There is no longer any doubt—South African boxing is back. And after a night like that, The Reckoning II cannot come soon enough. Let’s hope Kevin Lerena is ready to headline it once more.