Larena And Mbenge Win In Johannesburg

By Lwazi Ndzobongo: Kevin Lerena retained his IBO cruiserweight title via a 12 round unanimous points decision win over Dmytro Kusher from Ukraine at Emperors Palace, east of Johannesburg in South Africa on Saturday night.

The three judges scored the fight 119 - 109 twice and 117 – 111, all for Lerena.

The scores were a bit deceiving, Lerena worked hard for his win and his face reflected just how tough the fight was,afterwards. The boxing match started off slow with neither fighter looking to take control. In rounds three and four, Lerena picked up the action and was able to land with his jab and straight left, for his troubles he picked up a cut above his right eye which was rightfully ruled to be a head clash. Luckily for him the cut never affected him throughout the fight.

Kusher was able to periodically nail Lerena with his punches and caused the champion to bleed from the nose from the fourth round onwards. Kusher appeared content to let Lerena press the action and never seemed to live up to the early hype of being a true test for the young champion. Credit must go to Lerena for making the fight easier than what many boxing experts had envisaged leading up to the bout.

Lerena improved his record to 20-1; 9 and Kucher’s record dropped to 24-3; 18.

Mbenge wins WBC International Welterweight Title

South Africa’s Thulani Mbenge won the vacant WBC International welterweight title by out pointing Diego Cruz over 12 one sided rounds.The judges scored the fight 119 - 109, and 118 - 110 twice.

Mbenge, the South African welterweight champion, could have done more to try getting the shorter Mexican out of there early, he nailed Cruz with all sorts of punches but the Mexican stood firm. Maybe the extra 2.57 kg he came in over the limit allowed him to absorb the punishment.

Mbenge improved his record to 12-0; 10 and Cruz’s record dropped to 18-6-2; 14.

Kriel retains Title

Deejay Kriel retained his WBC International minimumweight title via unanimous points decision over South African champion Xolisa Magusha. The judges scores were 118 - 112, 118 - 110 and 116 - 113.

Kriel was in control throughout the fight, and used his offensive energy to overwhelm Magusha. Magusha gave back what he got in making tis the most exciting bout of the evening.

Kriel improved his record to 13-1-1; 6 and Magusha’s record dropped to 10-2-1; 5.

Undercard Results:

Rowan Campbell bt Masixole Botile; TKO second round; Super Middleweight.

The tournament was presented by Golden Gloves Promotions.