Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Keanan Hemmonsbey
Published on 2024-03-08 15:52:34
South Africa’s Kevin Lerena (32-30-2) is gearing up to face Australia’s Justis Huni (8-0) in a highly anticipated 10-round bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this weekend. This undercard fight precedes the main event between Anthony Joshua and former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) star Francis Ngannou, promising a night of thrilling boxing action.
Lerena comes into the ring in Riyadh on a high note, having emerged victorious in a points decision against Germany’s Senad Gashi in Kempton Park last November. This win not only secured his triumph but also earned him the World Boxing Council (WBC) interim bridgerweight title. However, for this fight, Lerena will be stepping into the heavyweight division against a formidable opponent in Huni.
At just 24 years old, Huni is seven years younger than Lerena and possesses a size and strength advantage due to his full-time experience as a heavyweight fighter. Despite his lack of professional fights, Huni aims to prove himself in the ring. Lerena, a southpaw, remains confident in his training and preparation for the bout, believing that his hard work will lead him to victory.
In his preparation for the fight, Lerena has been training alongside WBC heavyweight title holder Tyson Fury, an iconic figure in British boxing. Through rigorous sparring sessions and intense training, Lerena has focused on improving his mobility and explosiveness to capitalize on every opportunity in the ring.
As the showdown approaches, Lerena remains steadfast in his determination to succeed, stating, “It all boils down to the 10 rounds and the two men who step into that ring, and I am ready for battle.” With eight weeks of intense training under his belt, Lerena is primed to face the challenge and showcase his skills in the ring.
When Ngannou enters the ring, it will mark only his second professional boxing match after a successful career in mixed martial arts. Despite a narrow defeat in his first boxing bout against Fury, Ngannou remains focused and determined to prove himself as an underdog against top competitors in the sport.
In contrast, Joshua boasts over a decade of professional boxing experience and has secured multiple titles throughout his career. With a confident attitude, Joshua predicts a successful outcome in the upcoming fight, emphasizing his delivery as the “postman.”
The winner of the heavyweight brawl between Lerena and Huni is poised to face either Fury or Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight title. The anticipation is high for this weekend’s bouts, as fans eagerly await to witness the action-packed matchups in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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