Mostert must have made Radchenko an offer he could not refuse to come to this country.
“I'm paying a lot of money but I'm not complaining because I love what I'm doing,” he said this week during the announcement of his maiden tourney.
“South African boxing has world-class talent and we need to rally behind it. With the continued support, unity and leadership, we can put our fighters on global stages. It is time to rise up.”
The WBC bridgerweight title was first won in 2023 by Lukasz Rozanski, the Pole who was dethroned by Englishman Lawrence Okolie in May last year.
Okolie was to defend against Lerena but he relinquished the title in October.
SowetanLIVE
Lerena-Radchenko bout helps revive SA boxing’s allure
Fight against Ukrainian is the first time a South African WBC champ will defend his title at home
Image: Veli Nhlapo
The winds of change are blowing, with new role players in the promotion of boxing in South Africa demonstrating their desire and ability to give the ailing sport a fresh start, renewed vigour or a chance to become successful and popular again.
Credit goes to new Boxing SA board chair Ayanda Khumalo, who is said to be big on good governance.
Companies are trickling in and the SABC and SuperSport are part of this journey. Two new role players — Aquilla Boxing Promotion and National Boxing Championships — have dished out superbly organised maiden tournaments.
Dewald Mostert — a businessman who trades under Legacy Boxing Promotion — is taking it to another level. He will stage the WBC bridgerweight title fight between holder Kevin Lerena and Ukrainian Serhiy Radchenko at Times Square Sunbet Arena in Pretoria on May 1.
Courtesy of SABC News
Lerena's defence will also be the first for a South African WBC champion at home.
It became easy for Mostert to bring the fight to this country because left-handed Lerena, a former horse racing jockey, has the backing of big brands such as World Sports Betting, SkyNet SA and Under Armour. Sunbet Arena are partners and SuperSport has also committed to a live broadcast.
Mostert paid tribute to Goldstar and Commodore Defensive Strategies for their support and contribution.
Lerena is currently the highest-paid fighter in South Africa. He earned R1m as IBO champion and almost R10m for the WBA heavyweight fight against Englishman Daniel Dubois at Tottenham Stadium in England in 2022. He was paid about R5m for the fight against Justis Huni in Saudi Arabia in March last year.
Boxing manager slams 'dirty tricks' as Hadebe loses WBC title challenge bout
Mostert must have made Radchenko an offer he could not refuse to come to this country.
“I'm paying a lot of money but I'm not complaining because I love what I'm doing,” he said this week during the announcement of his maiden tourney.
“South African boxing has world-class talent and we need to rally behind it. With the continued support, unity and leadership, we can put our fighters on global stages. It is time to rise up.”
The WBC bridgerweight title was first won in 2023 by Lukasz Rozanski, the Pole who was dethroned by Englishman Lawrence Okolie in May last year.
Okolie was to defend against Lerena but he relinquished the title in October.
SowetanLIVE
READ MORE:
Kevin Lerena to be explosive for historic title defence on May 1
Gayton McKenzie revamp for boxing sees increases for fighters, officials
Glitz and glamour at maiden National Boxing Championship hosted by Arena Holdings
Kevin Lerena: Teddy bear at home, lion in the ring
SA boxing fraternity welcomes rescue of sport’s Olympic future
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most read
Latest Videos