By Kevin Rademeyer, Sports Journalist.
Photo Credit: James Gradidge.
Kevin Lerena’s reign as WBC Bridgerweight champion came to an end on Saturday night after he lost a unanimous decision to Ryad Merhy in Belgium.
The judges scored the fight 116-112, 117-111 and 115-113 in favour of Merhy, who improves his record to 36-3 and regains the WBC title. Lerena falls to 31-5.
The South African entered the bout determined to prove he could win on the road. Unlike their first meeting in 2023, which Lerena won by unanimous decision on home soil, this time he accepted the challenge in Merhy’s adopted backyard.
Before the fight, Lerena made no secret of the reasons behind the decision to fight in Europe instead of his homeland. “It’s all about the money at the end of the day,” he said. “The more lucrative purse offers, the better the challenge. As a champion, you’ve got to be able to win on the road.”
The fight itself was closely contested but Merhy appeared to do the cleaner and more consistent work across the 12 rounds.
Lerena established his jab early and looked to control the distance, but he struggled to put together the combinations that have been a feature of some of his best performances. On several occasions he had Merhy backing up or momentarily hurt near the ropes, but he was unable to capitalise and turn those moments into sustained attacks.
His corner repeatedly urged him to use his feet, move his head and increase his activity to his opponents body. They told him to use his jab and uppercut to rock Merhy, but he could just not unlock the defence. Instead, Lerena often found himself stationary and fighting at a measured pace. Merhy took advantage.
The Belgian varied his tempo throughout the contest, mixing body work with bursts of aggression. By the middle rounds, his attacks to the body appeared to be slowing Lerena down. Although the South African enjoyed improved spells in rounds 10 and 11, he was unable to build sustained momentum.
The final round summed up much of the fight. Knowing the title was potentially slipping away, Lerena still could not find the breakthrough he needed. Merhy closed strongly while the home crowd voiced frustration whenever the action slowed and the fighters tied up.
Both men came into the contest searching for a stoppage. Lerena’s camp had openly discussed their desire to avoid leaving the outcome in the hands of local judges. Trainer Peter Smith said before the fight: “Kevin’s in supreme condition. We are on fire, and we’re going to Belgium to make serious, serious noise. I really don’t see 12 rounds.” Instead, the fight went the distance.
There were flashes of the power that once dropped heavyweight contender Daniel Dubois three times in the first round, but Lerena was unable to consistently let his hands go. Similar patterns emerged to his previous loss against Lawrence Okolie, where he also fought conservatively and struggled to impose himself offensively.
To Lerena’s credit, he remained competitive throughout and never appeared close to being stopped. His durability and toughness were once again on display. However, Merhy’s higher work rate and greater urgency proved decisive.
The loss leaves several questions for Lerena as he approaches the next stage of his career. At 34, he must now decide whether to pursue an immediate rematch, continue his campaign at bridgerweight, or explore opportunities elsewhere.
A third fight between Lerena and Merhy is certainly possible. The rivalry now stands at one win apiece, and both men can make a legitimate case for settling the score. For now, though, the WBC Bridgerweight title belongs to Merhy.
Lerena travelled to Belgium hoping to retain his championship and secure another major payday. He leaves without the belt, but with options still available. Given his track record and resilience throughout his career, few would bet against him finding his way back into another world title fight.