Eliminator Merhi-Leren April 29 in South Africa

On April 29, at a boxing evening organized in Johannesburg, South Africa, a qualifying match for the WBC welterweight title between Riad Merhi (31-1, 26 KOs) and Kevin Lerena (28-2, 14 KOs). Previously, this fight was scheduled for mid-March.

The winner of the fight will become the official contender for the World Boxing Council championship belt in the weight category up to 101 kg. Alen Babich and Lukasz Ruzhansky are due to fight for the vacant WBC title in this weight category in March.

In the fall, Merhi left the regular WBA cruiserweight belt vacant and announced his move to a heavier weight category. In his last appearance, Lerena lost to Daniel Dubois for the WBA regular heavyweight belt.