By Kevin Rademeyer, Sports Journalist.
Photo Credit: Fullview.
South African boxing gets a night of high-stakes action on 7 November when Kevin Lerena returns to the ring at the Sandton Convention Centre, headlining Knockout Chaos 3: The Return.
But while the former WBC Bridgerweight champion’s move back to cruiserweight is the main attraction, the rescheduled clash between SD Pypers and Jarred Silverman promises to bring its own share of drama.
Promoted by Aquilla Boxing Promotions, the event brings together a compelling programme of professional contests, with Lerena facing Scott Forrest for the WBC International Cruiserweight Title and Pypers and Silverman finally getting the opportunity to settle their differences inside the ring.
Lerena has made no secret of his confidence in the occasion. The fighter, who also serves as an ambassador for Aquilla Boxing Promotions, believes the show will set a new standard for local boxing in 2026.
Earlier this year Kevin was excited to announce not only his return , but the previously postponed fight between arch enemies SD Pypers and Silverman. “SD Pypers has signed the contract; Silverman has signed the contract. ‘The Return: Knockout Chaos 3′ will be proudly brought to you by Aquilla Boxing Promotions. I will also be in action, and I believe this will be the biggest boxing show in South Africa in 2026. Mark my words,” he said.
On Saturday the signatures on the contracts transfer to warriors in the ring. No place to hide, no words, just full -on action.
The Pypers versus Silverman contest has been coming for a long time, and the exchanges between the two fighters have ensured that attention will be firmly fixed on the co- main event.
Silverman wasted little time making his feelings known, saying: “I just hope SD will actually make it into the ring this time.”
Pypers was quick with his response: “I just hope Jarred makes it out of the ring.”
The verbal exchanges have added another layer of anticipation to a contest that has already attracted considerable interest. But when the fighters came face to face at media day, Pypers appeared content to leave the arguments behind.
“The talking is over. I have nothing to say. I will let my boxing do the talking on Saturday night,” he said.
Silverman, however, had one more warning for his opponent. “I will give SD the beating of his life. I will show him that you cannot play boxing,” he said.
There will be no shortage of attention on the main event either. Lerena returns to the Cruiserweight division after his campaign at Bridgerweight, looking to rebuild momentum in a division where he previously became IBO cruiserweight world champion.
His opponent, Scott Forrest, was born in Johannesburg but represents Scotland. He brings an accomplished amateur background, including nine national titles, appearances for Team GB and participation in the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Lerena could have selected a different opponent, but he wanted a fighter who would test him. He was offered three names and made his preference clear. He had three opponents to pick from, but he chose Forrest, as he believed that it would create an exciting fight for the fans.
“The boxer was an easy win for me, the fighter was a spoiler. Scott Forrest, I said I want him,” he explained. “He’s strong, he’s explosive, and I want the physical hard fight.”
Forrest has also predicted an aggressive encounter, describing both men as fighters who enjoy exchanging punches and are unwilling to take a backward step. It is a matchup that promises to test Lerena’s preparation as he begins his latest campaign at cruiserweight.
The undercard adds further depth to the evening, in support of the four most anticipated fights of the night. Lerena, will lay it all on the line in a defining fight of his career, Jarred Silverman and SD Pypers, will have nothing more to say in the co- main event, Leo Careri will try and defend his unbeaten record in an explosive fight against Jackson Masamba and fists will fly between Jason Medi meeting Douglas Ntounta.
Lerena knows firsthand how difficult business can be. Despite arriving in professional boxing without an extensive amateur record, he went on to become a world champion and compete on some of the sport’s biggest stages.
He has also experienced setbacks that can interrupt a fighter’s progress and understands that talent alone is not enough. Boxers need opportunities.
“It’s about giving fighters another platform,” he has said. “If we can inspire one person, we’ve made a difference.”
That ambition gives the event a wider significance. A successful boxing scene needs headline attractions, but it also depends on promoters willing to invest in the fighters who will carry the sport forward. By bringing several contests together under one banner, Aquilla Boxing Promotions is working to create opportunities beyond the main event.
On 7 November, the talking stops and the gloves come on. Lerena has a championship opportunity to pursue against a determined Forrest, while Pypers and Silverman finally get the chance to settle a rivalry that has produced plenty of words outside the ring.
Every fighter on the card has something to prove, and every contest offers a chance to make a statement.
For Aquilla Boxing Promotions, the occasion is about putting South African fighters in the spotlight and building a platform on which their ambitions can grow. But first, the fighters must deliver.
With championship aspirations, unfinished business and personal pride at stake, Knockout Chaos 3 has all the ingredients for a memorable night at the Sandton Convention Centre.