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Kevin Lerena to Fight in His Mother’s “Honour” on Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou Undercard After Her Saddening Demise

Published 03/08/2024, 10:05 AM EST

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In the world of boxing, few stories resonate like Kevin Lerena’s. The South African heavyweight, boasting a commendable 32-30-2 record, carries more than gloves into the ring. Remember when he floored Dubois thrice? Each victory, a tribute. But now, his fight transcends sport.

Can a man channel loss into strength? With his mother’s recent passing, Lerena’s upcoming bout against Justis Huni is draped in nostalgia. It’s not just about titles or triumphs anymore. It’s about honor, legacy, and the indomitable spirit of a woman who shaped a champion. Will he rise to the occasion, inspired by memories and love?

Kevin Lerena pays the perfect tribute

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Kevin Lerena steps into the ring under the bright lights of Riyadh, on the undercard of Anthony JoshuaFrancis Ngannou facing a formidable challenge against the unbeaten Justis Huni, whose record stands impressively at 8-0. This fight, however, is imbued with profound personal significance for Lerena. He took to his Instagram, sharing his heartache and determination, stating, “Today I lost the strongest woman I have ever known. My mom fought tirelessly as a single mom to raise us, and her strength and determination will forever inspire me. Even in her final moments, she fought until the very end, she fought with all her might.”

Embracing his mother’s warrior spirit, he vows, “Tomorrow night, I WILL FIGHT in your honour because you were a LION and you raised a LION. Your fight lives on in me, and I will always carry your strength with me.” These words aren’t just a tribute; they are Lerena’s battle cry, a promise to channel his grief into the strength needed to face Huni.

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Moreover, Lerena’s post reflects a deep bond, underscored by resilience and undying love, “Mom, I love you and I will carry on your warrior spirit… Rest peacefully in God’s kingdom, and soar with the angels and now you are finally back with Dad.” This poignant message encapsulates the emotional weight Lerena carries into the fight, transforming the bout into a testament to his mother’s enduring influence and his unyielding resolve.

After losing to Dubois by TKO, Lerena has managed to win the rest of his matches coming up to this fight. His resolve, sharpened by loss and love, promises to infuse each jab, hook, and uppercut with the legacy of his late mother’s spirit.

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Will this emotional drive elevate Lerena to new heights, or will the weight of the moment prove overwhelming? And how might your battles, however different, resonate with the same raw, human spirit that Lerena brings to the ring?

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Written by:

Mrinal Mishra

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Mrinal Mishra is a senior writer for Boxing at EssentiallySports. With over 1300+ articles to his name, Mrinal’s articles often find congratulatory mentions from boxing greats like Mia St. John.
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Edited by:

Snigdhaa Jaiswal