Things are looking up for Kevin Lerena.
After bombing out Johnny Muller on Sunday, he is now in line for a favourable rating by the WBA and WBO after promoter Rodney Berman wrote to both world bodies seeking a top 10 ranking in both.
“Fighting Johnny was a proper gut-check for Lerena,” said Berman. “He needed to show that he could adjust and have a Plan B. He did so and to get Johnny out of there took some doing.”
Despite slipping behind late in the fight, Lerena was patient and methodical until an opening presented itself. His finish was clinical and demonstrated that Lerena has the right instincts.
Lerena now advances to the “easier” semifinal spot in the Super Four tournament, which starts on June 11. His opponent is experienced Roberto Bolonti, while in the other half Muller gets a chance of redemption against Micki Nielsen.
Without studying the form book, it seems Lerena would start favourite against Bolonti and Nielsen would have winning odds against Muller, leading to a potential Lerena versus Nielsen final, with a big pot of money awaiting the winner.
If this is the case, Berman said he would consider seeking sanction for it to be for the WBA Youth championship.
Unsurprisingly, he was thrilled by Sunday’s tournament. A big crowd was on hand and the fights were outstanding, not least the main event where both Muller and Lerena put on a fantastic display that reaffirmed what we already know – the best match-ups are invariably local ones.
