Kevin Lerena (born 5 May 1992) is a South African professional boxer widely recognized for his power, endurance, and skill inside the ring. Known as “The KO Kid”, Lerena has competed across cruiserweight, heavyweight, and bridgerweight divisions.
He first turned professional in 2011 and has since built an impressive record with multiple world titles, making him one of South Africa’s most decorated boxers in modern times.
His Salary and Net Worth
Kevin Lerena’s financial success has grown alongside his boxing career. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated between $2 million and $4 million. His income sources include fight purses, endorsements, and sponsorships.
For high-profile bouts, such as his fights against Daniel Dubois, Justis Huni, and Lawrence Okolie, Lerena reportedly earned several hundred thousand dollars per fight.
Earlier in his career, when defending the IBO cruiserweight title, his purses were smaller but still contributed significantly to his financial growth.
Outside of boxing, Lerena also benefits from endorsements and business activities, ensuring his long-term financial stability.
Kevin Lerena Age and Height
Age: Born on 5 May 1992, Lerena is 33 years old as of 2025.
Height: He stands at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm).
Reach: His reach is approximately 74 inches (188 cm), which gives him an effective advantage in maintaining distance against opponents.
Stance: Lerena fights as a southpaw, making him a tricky and technical fighter for many orthodox opponents.
Kevin Lerena’s Wife or Girlfriend
Lerena is a married man. His wife, Geraldine Lerena, has been a consistent supporter throughout his boxing journey. Together, they share a strong family bond and are parents to children, making family life an important part of their career decisions.
Geraldine contributes to the boxing industry, playing a role in promotional activities in South Africa, which keeps her closely connected to her husband’s profession.
His Latest Career News
2025 has been a busy and emotional year for Kevin Lerena:
On 1 May 2025, he successfully defended his WBC Bridgerweight World Title against Serhiy Radchenko in Pretoria, winning by a third-round stoppage.
Just two months later, on 19 July 2025, he stepped up to heavyweight and faced former cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie at Wembley Stadium. Despite a strong effort, Lerena lost via unanimous decision.
Following this defeat, Lerena announced that he would be taking a break from boxing to rest physically and mentally while spending more time with his family. He has not set a confirmed date for his return but is expected to make a comeback in late 2025 or 2026.
His Achievements
Kevin Lerena’s career is filled with notable titles and victories that highlight his success:
IBO Cruiserweight World Champion (2017–2021) – successfully defended his belt multiple times.
WBA Inter-Continental Heavyweight Champion (2022) – captured the title by defeating Bogdan Dinu.
WBC Bridgerweight World Champion (2024–present) – elevated to full champion status after Lawrence Okolie vacated the belt and defended it in 2025.
Career record: 31 wins and 4 losses (15 wins by knockout).
These achievements cement Lerena’s reputation as one of South Africa’s most successful fighters of his generation.
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Kevin Lerena Career Highlights
Lerena vs. Seferi (2019)
On 21 September 2019, Kevin Lerena defended his IBO cruiserweight title for the fifth time. He fought Sefer Seferi at the Emperor’s Palace in Kempton Park, South Africa.
In the third round, Lerena landed a hard left hook to the body.
He followed with a left hook to the head.
Seferi went down and was unable to continue.
Unable to continue, the referee stopped the contest, awarding Lerena a technical knockout victory.
Lerena vs. Arslan (2020)
For his sixth IBO title defense, Lerena fought seasoned veteran and two-time WBO title challenger Firat Arslan on 8 February 2020, in Göppingen, Germany. Despite Arslan’s vast experience, Lerena dominated the bout. In the sixth round, a powerful left hook followed by a series of unanswered punches forced Arslan’s corner to throw in the towel, giving Lerena another TKO victory.
Transition to Heavyweight (2020)
On 19 December 2020, Lerena stepped up to the heavyweight division, facing Patrick Ferguson in a non-title fight at Emperors Palace. Displaying speed and power at the higher weight class, he controlled the bout and secured a fifth-round technical knockout.
Lerena vs. Dinu (2022)
Lerena continued his heavyweight journey on 26 March 2022, when he fought Bogdan Dinu for the vacant WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight title. He showcased his precision and power, knocking out Dinu in the fourth round to claim his first heavyweight championship belt.
Lerena vs. Wach (2022)
On 17 September 2022, Lerena took on veteran Mariusz Wach, a former unified heavyweight title challenger, at Emperors Palace. Lerena boxed intelligently, controlling the pace and outworking Wach over twelve rounds.
The judges scored the fight decisively in Lerena’s favor—120–108, 120–108, and 118–110—securing a dominant unanimous decision win.
FAQs About Kevin Lerena
What is Kevin Lerena’s net worth in 2025?
His net worth is estimated to be between $2 million and $4 million, primarily from fight purses and endorsements.
How old is Kevin Lerena?
Kevin Lerena is 33 years old, born on 5 May 1992.
How tall is Kevin Lerena?
He is 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) tall, with a 74-inch reach.
Who is Kevin Lerena’s wife?
Kevin Lerena is married to Geraldine Lerena, and together they have children.
What is Kevin Lerena’s latest fight?
His latest fight was on 19 July 2025, when he lost to Lawrence Okolie at Wembley Stadium. Earlier that year, he successfully defended his WBC Bridgerweight World Title against Serhiy Radchenko.
What titles has Kevin Lerena won?
He has been an IBO Cruiserweight Champion, WBA Inter-Continental Heavyweight Champion, and currently holds the WBC Bridgerweight World Title.
