By Kevin Rademeyer, Sports Journalist.
South African boxing champion Kevin Lerena will defend his WBC Bridgerweight World Title on 30 May 2026 when he faces mandatory challenger Ryad Merhy in a highly anticipated rematch at the Dôme de Charleroi in Charleroi.
The bout marks Lerena’s latest defence of the green and gold belt and will see the Johannesburg born fighter travel to Belgium to protect his crown on international soil. It also revives a rivalry that began in 2023, when the two heavy hitters met in a WBC bridgerweight title eliminator.
On that occasion, Lerena secured a convincing unanimous decision victory over Merhy at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park. Judges scored the contest 118 to 110, 116 to 112 and 115 to 113 in favour of the South African, earning him a decisive win over the former WBA cruiserweight champion.
Since that meeting, Merhy has rebuilt his campaign with a series of victories that ultimately secured his mandatory challenge for the WBC title. Their rematch now promises a high intensity encounter, with Merhy seeking redemption and Lerena aiming to reinforce his standing among the world’s elite in the bridgerweight division.
Lerena, widely known in boxing circles as “Two Gun”s, has enjoyed a remarkable rise through the sport. Born in Johannesburg in 1992, he first gained international prominence during his reign as IBO cruiserweight champion between 2017 and 2021. He later moved into the bridgerweight division and captured the WBC world title in 2024, cementing his reputation as one of South Africa’s leading boxing exports.
His most recent title defence on home soil offered a powerful reminder of his knockout ability. Fighting Ukraine’s Serhiy Radchenko at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, Lerena delivered a dominant performance that ended just 16 seconds into the third round when Radchenko’s corner threw in the towel after sustained punishment.
The victory was historic. It marked the first time the WBC bridgerweight world title had been defended on South African soil. Lerena controlled the fight from the early exchanges, dropping Radchenko twice in the second round with a sharp left hook and relentless body attacks before finishing the job in the third.
After the bout, Lerena spoke of the significance of defending the title at home and being mentioned alongside some of South Africas’ boxing greats.”It’s an absolute honour,” he said at ringside, referencing past WBC champions such as Dingaan Thobela and Sugarboy Malinga. “When I turn up, I’m going to beat anyone.”
The upcoming clash with Merhy will test that confidence once again. Fighting in his opponent’s home region adds another layer of pressure, yet Lerena has built a career on thriving in demanding circumstances.
For South African boxing supporters, the May showdown represents another opportunity for Lerena to extend his growing legacy. A successful defence in Belgium would further solidify his position as the leading figure in the bridgerweight division and continue a career that has already delivered multiple international titles and historic moments for the sport in South Africa.
Lerena has made it clear that a successful defence could open the door to an even greater challenge. Should he retain his title, the South African champion is expected to set his sights on a return to the heavyweight division, chasing another world crown and further elevating his standing in the sport.
Yet his influence extends far beyond the ropes. As the reigning world champion and a central figure within Aquilla Boxing Promotions, Lerena has also become a visible ambassador for several community initiatives, using his platform to inspire and uplift young South Africans.
The bout in Belgium therefore carries weight that reaches beyond a single title defence. It represents a pivotal moment in the career of Kevin Lerena, a fighter whose journey has already placed him among the country’s boxing elite.
Victory on 30 May could propel him toward an even bigger stage and cement his legacy as one of South Africa’s most compelling champions.