PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA — Mark your calendars, fight fans. On May 1st, South African boxing takes a thunderous leap back into the global spotlight with The Reckoning — a high-octane, no-holds-barred showdown at the cutting-edge SunBet Arena in Pretoria. At the center of the storm? None other than Kevin Lerena, South Africa’s own wrecking machine, defending his WBC Bridgerweight World Title against the tough Ukrainian brawler, Serhiy Radchenko.

For Lerena, 32, this isn’t just a title defense — it’s a mission. After being officially elevated from interim to full champion status when Lawrence Okolie moved up to heavyweight, Lerena now has one goal: to remind the world that South African boxing belongs at the summit of the sport. “This one’s about pride, power, and proving a point,” Lerena declared. “Radchenko’s a worthy challenger — but I’m a different animal. I’m going to knock him out. No doubt.”

Lerena may have tasted defeat in his last bout against Australia’s Justis Huni in Saudi Arabia, but that loss only lit a fire. Back home and reborn, he’s coming into this fight leaner, meaner, and sharper than ever. The former IBO Cruiserweight king, with seven successful title defenses under his belt, is ready to send a message to the world — and to every fighter in the Bridgerweight division.

But The Reckoning isn’t a one-man show. The undercard is stacked with elite South African firepower. IBO Welterweight World Champion Thulani Mbenge puts his skills on display against Namibia’s Emmanuel Mungandjela in a 10-round war. Veteran cruiserweight Thabiso Mchunu, known for his silky defense and big-fight experience, will face off with DRC’s Amador Kalonji in what promises to be a tactical yet violent 8-round battle.

Trainer Alex Mchunu, a cornerstone of the local boxing scene, didn’t mince words. “Expect knockouts. All three of our guys — Lerena, Mbenge, and Thabiso — are locked in. They’re not just fighting opponents. They’re fighting to lift an entire nation.”

The all-day card, promoted by Dewald Mostert’s Legacy Boxing Promotions, also shines a spotlight on the future of South African boxing with rising stars Tiisetso Matikinca, Lindokuhle Khuzwayo, and the much-anticipated return of Pretoria’s own Jabulani Makhence.

Outside the ropes, Lerena’s passion runs deeper than belts and paychecks. “Boxing’s not about where you come from. It’s about how far you’re willing to go,” he said. “I’ve been starved of combat. I dream of Radchenko. I wake up thinking of him. And now I’m coming to feast.”

The Reckoning isn’t just a fight card — it’s a statement. A call to arms. A moment of national pride and international attention. The biggest boxing event on South African soil since Lennox Lewis was upset at Carnival City in 2001 is here. And it’s not just going to be epic. It’s going to be unforgettable.

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]