Confidence is surging through the Kevin Lerena fight camp with less than a month to go until his date with destiny against Micki Nielsen.
“Kevin is looking unbelievable,” said his trainer Peter Smith. “It’s the hardest training he’s ever done. He’s responded really well. Nielsen is a top fighter, but Kevin has the ability to stop him.”
Focus has been on Lerena’s conditioning and skills set, ensuring both are top notch, to ensure he doesn’t waver from the fight plan. Nielsen is easily Lerena’s hardest test to date – he fights with a Viking spirit and won’t be looking for an easy way out.
Sparring has been hard and heavy. Thabiso is big and strong and a natural southpaw, so his input has been invaluable. Isaac Chilemba has helped, too, switching to a left-handed style and keeping Lerena’s reactions sharp.
Asked where the Super Four final will be won or lost, Smith said that Nielsen will rely heavily on his punching power, something that can be subdued if Lerena makes him miss and beats him to the punch.
“Kevin can’t allow this guy to land. We’re working a lot on angles. The guy loves the right hook and is a strong jabber. Kevin’s strength is his speed and power and technical skills. I don’t want him on the ropes at all against this guy. Nielsen has power and a forceful attack. If Kevin can’t put him on the backfoot, he must move him around.”
With a long pro career behind him, Smith is well versed in what it will take to beat a young, hungry, unbeaten fighter like Nielsen. He’s doing everything he can to equip Lerena, aware that doing so will constitute a major breakthrough.
“His confidence levels will go through the roof,” Smith predicted. “It really is a breakthrough fight, and Kevin knows it. He’s putting everything on the line. Fans will get to see the very best of him.”
