Liebenberg warns local boxers

SOUTH African light heavyweight boxers should cross their fingers for Ryno “The Lion” Liebenberg.

Liebenberg will challenge Enrico Koelling for the WBA Intercontinental belt in his home territory of Germany on October 1, but warned local boxers that if he loses it would be over for him internationally.

“I would then have to focus in the local arena where there is no one to beat me. and that includes Kevin Lerena,” said the current SA light heavyweight champion.

“I am not implying that I am going to lose against Enrico, but I am just telling you the truth about local guys.”

Lerena is the current SA and WBA Pan African cruiserweight holder.

Last week, top promoter Rodney Berman toyed with the idea of matching Liebenberg with Lerena early next year.

Lerena has a date with Dane Mickie Nielsen for the final of Berman’s Cruiserweight Super Four on October 22.

“If both prevail in their upcoming fights, they will feature in a local double-header next February. However, if both happen to lose, I will be interested,” said Berman.

Liebenberg said he was so sure of beating Lerena that he could fight him with one arm.

“The only local boxer who can give me competition is Thomas Oosthuizen,” said Liebenberg who lost a split points decision to Oosthuizen in 2015.

Liebenberg has 17 wins while Koelling has 21 victories against a loss.