Lerena retains with his confidence his IBO belt
Oozing with confidence, the champion has sent a challenge to anyone who dares to stand in his way to the very top during the post-fight interviews.
International Boxing Organisation (IBO) cruiserweight champion Kevin Lerena eased into the fourth successful defence of his title following a convincing fourth-round TKO over Artur Mann from Germany at Emperors Palace on the evening of March 16.
The champion, who was making his return to the squared circle after a forced layoff, which spanned a little over half a year due to a shoulder injury and surgery, bossed proceedings and was all over his opponent like a rash.
Meanwhile, Mann (90.55kg), who caused a rather anti-climactic apex to the fight’s build-up, offered little to nothing in a fight which was earmarked to entertain.
His record dropped to 15-1; 8 while Lerena’s improved to 22-1; 10.
Both pugilists used the first two rounds to find out more about each other with most of the traded punches successfully blocked.
The champion began to separate himself in the latter stage of the third as he showed more urgency and aggression to his approach.
He began to pick Mann apart in the fourth and telling round, landing some damaging blows. His dominance told when he dropped the German against the ropes with an uppercut followed by more blows to the head.
The bout appeared to be set and done as the groggy Mann appeared to be giving in, but beat the count.
The champion could smell blood. He maintained the pressure and again knocked Mann down with his strong left to the side of the head.
The resilient German managed to beat the count again, but stumbled against the ropes and was apparently in no man’s land as referee Jean Robert Laine stepped in to wave the fight off after two minutes and 37 seconds into the round.
- Other results:
World Boxing Association (WBA) Pan African junior middleweight title: Boyd Allen stopped John Bopape in the early stages of round 11 to win the vacant belt.
Gauteng title: Frank Rodrigues claimed the vacant Gauteng light-heavyweight belt via unanimous decision following a 10-round humdinger with Michael Markram. The scores were 96-94, 98-92, 100-90.
FOLLOW US:
For more #hyperlocal news at your fingertips, visit Benoni City Times, Springs Advertiser, Brakpan Herald, African Reporter and Kathorus Mail.
