South Africa currently has nine boxing world champions. Kevin Lerena, who won the World Boxing Council (WBC) bridgerweight title recently, was their third ever WBC champion.
South Africa has a long and proud boxing history, with Kevin Lerena recently following in the footsteps of Dingaan Thobela and Thulani “Sugar Boy” Malinga by becoming a WBC world champion.
Lerena is one of nine South African boxing world champions to currently hold a title. Out in the boxing wilderness for some time, the country appears to be finding its feet in the sport again.
Administrative challenges have rocked boxing in South Africa, but there has always been a steady stream of talent. There are areas of the country, such as Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape, where it is an integral part of the culture.
Meanwhile, Lerena’s WBC world title is particularly important for South African boxing’s revival.
What is special about the WBC?
The World Boxing Council (WBC) is one of the four major governing bodies in professional boxing, known for its iconic green championship belt and high-profile title fights. Established in 1963, the WBC is widely regarded as the most prestigious of them all, largely because of its storied history.
Prestige and Recognition: WBC titles are widely regarded as some of the most prestigious in boxing. Holding a WBC title often positions a boxer as a top athlete in the sport.
Notable Champions: The WBC has sanctioned legendary fights and crowned iconic champions, including Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Floyd Mayweather, and Canelo Álvarez. This history of celebrated champions adds to its renown.
How did Kevin Lerena win the WBC bridgerweight title?
Lawrence Okolie, the British former champion, was scheduled to defend his belt against Kevin Lerena.
However, after moving up to heavyweights, he relinquished his belt. As a result, Lerena is the interim WBC bridgerweight champion.
A sparring partner of legendary boxer Tyson Fury, Lerena is now a world champion under the umbrella of boxing’s most important organisation in his own right.
Like Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis, Lerena can now pave the way for a new generation within his sport.
What is the full list of South African current world boxing champions (as of November 2024)?
- Kevin Lerena, WBC bridgerweight (won in 2024)
- Phumelele Cafu, WBO junior bantamweight (won in 2024)
- Thulani Mbenge, IBO welterweight (won in 2024)
- Jackson Chauke, IBO World flyweight (won in 2024)
- Ricardo Malajika, IBO junior bantamweight (won in 2023)
- Mpumelelo Tshabalala, IBO junior flyweight (won in 2024)
- Gcina Makhoba, WBF super flyweight (won in 2022)
- Thato Bonokoane, WBF junior featherweight (won in 2022)
- Lunga Sitemela, WBF super featherweight (won in 2023)
