Audio: Lerena, Seferi ready for a tough battle

It will be interesting to see who has the real fists of steel as Iinternational Boxing Organisation (IBO) cruiserweight champion of the world Kevin Lerena defends his gold against Albanian national Sefer Seferi in their 12-round battle at Emperors Palace on September 21.

If paper is anything to go by, the champion, with the exception of Micki Nielsen, has never been in the squared circle against an opponent with punching power that matches Seferi, who boasts 21 knockout wins from his 23 career wins (23-2-1; 21).

His only loss was against Tyson Fury in the UK mid last year.

However, Lerena’s record is as impressive barring the knockout numbers (23-1; 10) and while Seferi believes he’s superior experience will play as an advantage for him, the champion’s youth could also come in handy, especially if the bout goes deep into its latter rounds.

“Kevin is, of course, a very good fighter, but he’s still very young,” one of Seferi’s entourage said at the pre-fight conference on Tuesday at Emperors Palace.

“Sefer (40) is a professional, hard boxer. His preparation has been very good and his skill is also very good. We have a very good chance to win this fight. That’s what we came for.”

The 27-year-old champion responded: “I’ve never been called young before‚” he chuckled.

“No fight is an easy fight at the top‚” said Lerena, who himself boasts a record of 23 wins and just one blemish.

“We’re two men with the same build but different attributes. It’s going to be a very tough fight. This has been my best camp yet. I have a plan and he’s got a plan. It will take a few moments for me to suss him out.”

Fists of Steel full card:

1. Junior middleweight four rounds: Aidan Quin vs Richard Nsamba

2. Light heavyweight four rounds: Michael Markram vs TBA

3. Gauteng cruiserweight title (10 rounds): Keaton Gomes vs Lebogang Mashitoa

4. World Boxing Association (WBA)/International Boxinf Federation (IBF) Junior Welterweight Africa title (12 rounds): Jabulani Makhense (WBA champion) vs Marios Matamba (IBF champion)

5. IBO Cruiserweight championship of the World (12 rounds): Kevin Lerena vs Sefer Seferi