Kevin Lerena (nicknamed “Two Guns” / “The KO Kid”) is a South African professional boxer and the current WBC Bridgerweight World Champion, with a distinguished career spanning cruiserweight, heavyweight, and bridgerweight divisions.
Early Life & Introduction to Boxing
Born on May 5, 1992, in Johannesburg, Lerena grew up in a family steeped in horse racing. He first entered the boxing gym at around age 14 or 15 seeking confidence and self-defense. Without a formal amateur background, he chose to turn professional at age 18, embracing early experience through lengthy bouts and regional competition.
Professional Career Path
Lerena debuted professionally in November 2011 with a second-round knockout. He captured the South African cruiserweight title in 2015 and claimed the IBO Cruiserweight World Championship in 2017, defending the belt multiple times through 2021. His disciplined southpaw style and improving ring craft earned him success at cruiserweight before prompting a move up.
In late 2021 and early 2022, Lerena transitioned to heavyweight, securing the WBA Inter‑Continental heavyweight title with a fourth‑round knockout of Bogdan Dinu. Later that year, he challenged for the WBA (Regular) heavyweight title against Daniel Dubois, scoring three knockdowns in the opening round before ultimately suffering a stoppage loss in the third.
Rise as Bridgerweight Champion
In May 2023, Lerena entered the bridgerweight division, winning the WBC Silver title by defeating Ryad Merhy, followed by capturing the interim WBC bridgerweight title over Senad Gashi in November. In October 2024, he was elevated to full WBC bridgerweight champion after the title was vacated.