Kevin Lerena explains why he was unable to knock out Justis Huni after he wobbled the Australian.
On March 8, 2024, the South African went to war with his rival at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,
While Lerena struggled during portions of the fight, in the final round, he nearly produced an awe-inspiring comeback after rocking Huni to his core with a monstrous shot.
However, he was unable to finish the job. And with Lerena failing to stop Daniel Dubois after dropping him three times, some are questioning whether the WBC Bridgerweight world champion can find the knockout blow at the top level.
Sheesh: Fabio Wardley predicted his comeback KO over Justis Huni days before the fight
Kevin Lerena says he was too tired to finish Justis Huni
In a testament to his authenticity, Kevin Lerena was open about why he believes he couldn’t secure the stoppage against Justis Huni.
The 33-year-old claims he was simply too tired.
He told IFL TV: “In the Justis Huni fight, I must be honest, I think it came early in round two when I hurt him and rocked him, it was the end of the round, and then it came late, at the end of round ten.
“Maybe [I should be] more strategic in my finishing-off approach, because I tried to throw the kitchen sink at it, and I was really spent, I was tired in that fight, to be honest and transparent.”
Kevin Lerena says he has to finish Lawrence Okolie
On July 19, Lerena will return to the ring against Lawrence Okolie at Wembley Stadium in London, UK.
In this showdown, he aims to secure the biggest stoppage win of his career.
In the same interview, the boxer said: “In my last fight, when I had my opponent hurt, I finished him in great fashion. That opponent wasn’t Lawrence Okolie, Justis Huni or Daniel Dubois — there are levels — I’m aware.
“Let’s see how it goes. I do know that when I have someone hurt, I need to finish them, that’s not to say I don’t have that killer instinct, because I do.”
He added: “I think a more calculated approach is needed from me, especially against a very dangerous fighter like Lawrence Okolie, who can hurt you at any given time.”