By the Sport South Africa Team
Kevin “Two Guns” Lerena’s reign as the WBC Bridgerweight World Champion has come to an end following a grueling 12-round battle in Charleroi, Belgium, on Saturday night. Hometown favorite Ryad Merhy claimed the 224-pound belt via unanimous decision, executing a highly effective game plan to avenge his 2023 loss to the South African.
The judges scored the bout 116-112, 117-111, and 115-113 in favor of the Ivory Coast-born Belgian. The result improves Merhy’s record to 36-3, while Lerena drops to 31-5.
Heading into his opponent’s backyard, the 34-year-old Lerena was acutely aware of the risks. Both he and trainer Peter Smith had publicly targeted an early stoppage to avoid leaving their fate in the hands of the local judges. However, it was Merhy who adapted better for the rematch.
The Fight
While Lerena attempted to establish his jab early on, Merhy proved to be the more fluent fighter, utilizing both hands effectively. In the third round, Merhy stunned the southpaw champion with a sharp right hand. Lerena, showing his characteristic grit, retaliated immediately to prove he was still in the fight.
As the bout progressed, both men began throwing heavy punches looking for the finish. In the sixth round, Lerena missed two significant shots that left him off-balance, allowing Merhy to capitalize with consistent combinations. By the seventh, with his right eye already showing the marks of battle, Lerena was forced to initiate clinches to smother Merhy’s relentless body attacks.
Lerena found a second wind in the 10th and 11th rounds, piecing together some strong moments, but the sustained pace and heavy exchanges had drained his reserves. Unable to hunt for the requisite knockout in the final round, Lerena relied on his chin and heart to see out the final bell, taking several heavy shots but never looking in danger of going down.
"No Excuses": Lerena Gracious in Defeat
In the aftermath of the bruising encounter, Lerena took to social media to address his supporters, displaying a badly bruised face but an unbroken spirit.
“My mom would be very disappointed in the way I look when it’s all said and done,” Lerena joked in an Instagram video from his hotel room. “This is the warrior sport, the warrior code… I look like absolute shite.”
In a subsequent written post, the former champion offered no excuses and gave full credit to his opponent. “After 12 hard rounds, it just wasn’t my night tonight. Two warriors in there giving absolutely everything we had. I was prepared to die in that ring and I walked out on my own terms. Congratulations to Ryad Merhy, he was the better man tonight.”
Noting that the fighters are now tied at one win apiece following Lerena’s victory at Emperors Palace three years ago, he hinted at the enduring appeal of the sport: “It’s 1 win each now… and that’s what makes fighting great. Two men willing to test themselves at the highest level, with everything on the line.”
What's Next?
The defeat is a significant roadblock for Lerena, who had hoped a successful, lucrative title defense in Belgium would propel him toward major heavyweight showdowns following last year’s bout against Lawrence Okolie.
For now, Lerena is stepping back to evaluate his future. “Right now, it’s time for me to reflect, step away for a bit, spend time with my wife and kids and figure out what I want to do next,” he said, thanking his management, sponsors, and the fans back home. “Of course I’m disappointed ~ but I’m still me! The man in the arena.”
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