By Kevin Rademeyer.
South African boxing is set for a moment of historic significance when Kevin “2 Guns” Lerena steps into the ring at SunBet Arena, Pretoria, on 1 May 2025. The headline bout of “The Reckoning,” presented by SunBet in partnership with Legacy Boxing Promotions, will see Lerena become the first South African to defend a WBC world title on home soil.
Lerena will put his WBC Bridgerweight World Championship on the line against Ukraine’s battle-hardened Serhiy Radchenko, in a clash that promises fireworks and national pride in equal measure. Originally scheduled to take place in Ukraine before the war interrupted those plans, the bout has finally found its home in South Africa, where the atmosphere is expected to be electric.
The 32-year-old Lerena, who won the WBC interim Bridgerweight title in 2023 with victory over Senad Gashi, is now defending the full title for the first time. Reflecting on the occasion, Lerena said: “It is an absolute honour. I am all for making history, and this is another opportunity to write it. To do it in front of my Lerena Army, I am so grateful for the opportunity.”
His journey from cruiserweight dominance – where he made seven successful title defences – to challenging heavyweight Daniel Dubois, and now reigning in the newly-formed Bridgerweight division, has been nothing short of remarkable.
“It’s been meteoric,” he admitted. “From defending a cruiserweight world title seven times, fighting Dubois for the world title, and then challenging for this new belt in a new weight division. It’s surreal. I leave no stone unturned – it’s about having that champion mindset.”
Lerena is confident ahead of the challenge Radchenko poses. “I am in great shape, I’m feeling good, I’m feeling healthy,” he said. “This is just business for me; it’s nothing personal. Big respect to Radchenko, but I am a different beast, a different man, a different animal.”
Despite the respect between the two, both fighters know what is at stake. Radchenko, the current WBC Silver Bridgerweight Champion, is determined to claim the full title. “I have been waiting for this fight, and now the celebration is coming,” said Radchenko. “People in South Africa are very hostile but we are happy to be here. I have been following Lerena for a long time – I respect him a lot. He is a seven-time champion. But it is time to deliver the title to me.”
Radchenko’s road to Pretoria was not without its hurdles, spending a week travelling from Poland to South Africa, where he had been training. In good spirits, Radchenko joked that perhaps even Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had visited South Africa last week to “check up on him” and see how his preparations were progressing.
For Lerena, this fight is deeply personal. “I wake up thinking of Radchenko, when I go to bed it’s Radchenko. Everything else means nothing,” he said. “I’ve been starved of fighting. No one is taking food off my table. You are going to see a starved man in the ring, a well-oiled machine who is hungry.”
The significance of “The Reckoning” is not lost on organisers or the boxing community. Dewald Mostert of Legacy Boxing Promotions said: “It’s the first time the WBC has hosted and defended a world title on South African soil. Diversity has helped us become a great host. It’s an honour to have Radchenko as a guest.”
Legacy Boxing has also ensured that the undercard is packed with quality match-ups, promising a night of relentless action. Top local talents will be showcased, including:
Thulani “Evolution” Mbenge vs. Emmanuel Mungandjela
Thabiso “The Rock” Mchunu vs. Amandor Kalonji
Chris “The Wolf” Thompson vs. Mussa Ajibu
Lindo Khuzwayo vs. Sthembiso Maduna and Tietsetso Matikinca vs. Mbulelo Gubula
An action-packed day card will also feature rising stars such as Jabulani Makhence and Ayabonga Sonjica, offering a full programme of boxing from 11:00am, with the main card commencing at 7:00pm.
Looking ahead to his future and offering advice to young fighters, Lerena said: “It starts with a dream – just start. Then surround yourself with a good team, a good trainer and friends. Keep your circle small. Ignore the noise. If you truly want to be a champion, you need to work like a complete underdog and have the mentality that you are the B-side, wanting to be the A-side. Everyone at the top works hard – what more are you doing? Are you disciplined? What is your story? What do you believe in?”
Though known for his explosive knockouts, Lerena says his main goal on the night is simply to win. “By being patient and landing the mark, I just want a victory. A knockout is a bonus,” he said.
As South African boxing eagerly awaits 1 May, one thing is certain: “The Reckoning” promises not just a night of thrilling action, but a celebration of history, heart, and legacy.
Tickets for The Reckoning are available now at www.ticketpro.co.za.