Sowetan: Kevin Lerena Prepares for WBC International Title Fight

Kevin Lerena enters his upcoming WBC International cruiserweight title fight against Scott Forrest weighing significantly less than his recent bouts, shedding excess mass to return to a division he last contested six years ago, according to the Sowetan.

Key Clinical Takeaways:
• Kevin Lerena drops down to the cruiserweight division, ranging from 79.38kg to 91.16kg, for the first time since his 2020 victory against Firat Arslan.
• The WBC International cruiserweight title bout against Scott Forrest is scheduled for November 7 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
• The fight card is promoted by Geraldine Lerena of Aquila Boxing Promotions, featuring a 90-person fun run appearance by Lerena leading into fight preparation.

Weighing In for the Cruiserweight Return

Lerena reports feeling good despite the extensive weight loss required to meet the cruiserweight limit. His last appearance in the cruiserweight division occurred in 2020, when he successfully defended his IBO belt via a sixth-round stoppage against Firat Arslan. Following that defense, Lerena transitioned to the heavyweight division with weights exceeding 91.16kg, capturing the WBA Intercontinental belt before a 2022 world title loss to Daniel Dubois in front of 90,000 spectators at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Subsequent career moves took him to the bridgerweight division, where he secured a unanimous decision victory over Ryad Merhy in 2023 to claim the vacant WBC Silver bridgerweight title at Emperors Palace under veteran Golden Gloves promoter Rodney Berman. Elevated to WBC bridgerweight world champion in 2024 after Lawrence Okolie relinquished the belt, Lerena eventually lost the title to Merhy on May 31, 2026, at the Hall de Expositions in Charleroi, Belgium. He currently holds a No 6 rating from the WBC in the cruiserweight division.

Training and Event Logistics in Johannesburg

Preparation for the November 7 bout is underway alongside trainer Peter Smith, a former heavyweight boxer whose father, Kosie Smith, held the title of three-time South African light heavyweight champion during the 1970s. Their opponent, Scott Forrest, carries the nickname “Ferocious” and was born in South Africa to British parents before relocating to Scotland at age five. The upcoming event at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg is staged by Geraldine Lerena, co-founder of Aquila Boxing Promotions and wife to the boxer. Ahead of the fight card, 90 supporters participated in a fun run alongside Lerena, who balances his athletic career with qualifications as a helicopter pilot, former race jockey, and emergency medical practitioner. Geraldine Lerena notes that ticket sales and supporter turnout indicate strong interest in the event, which features additional prospects on the fight card.