Lerena lands IBO title fight

Kevin Lerena (above) has long yearned for a title shot and the highly-ranked cruiserweight finally got his wish when he was pitted against Russia’s Maxim Maslov (19-1-1) for the IBO crown at Emperors Palace on August 12.

The belt recently became vacant when Marco Huck was beaten by Mairis Briedis, who failed to pay the IBO sanction fee.

Conceding that it was a difficult decision to make given Lerena’s high rating in the WBO, promoter Rodney Berman said this would elevate him internationally in the same way Hekkie Budler’s first run as IBO champion did.

The IBO has gained much credibility in recent years with world-class fighters like Gennady Golovkin, Wladimir Klitschko, Manny Pacquiao and Chris Eubank all proudly parading IBO belts.

The IBO has also cultivated a strong relationship with SA boxing, in particular, with a number of fighters owning championship crowns.

“The reality is that this gives Kevin the opportunity to earn a champion’s purses,” said Berman. “He can also build up while defending the belt, assuming he wins against what will be a tough opponent.

“The plan, of course, is to cash in with a major pay-day down the line against a big name like Tony Bellew or Oleksandr Usyk.”

Maslov, ranked 10th by the IBF, has worked his way steadily up the rankings, but has fought just once outside his home country, venturing to Kazakhstan four years ago.

Interestingly, he and Lerena have a common opponent in Igor Pylypenko, who was stopped in five rounds by the Russian and went the distance with Lerena.

On Sunday, Lerena had a workmanlike win as he dominated Sergio Ramirez of Mexico to win on points. – ANA