Boxing Match Preview: Lawrence Okolie (21-1-0, 16 KOs) vs. Kevin Lerena (31-3-0, 15 KOs)

WBC Silver Heavyweight Title Bout | July 19, 2025 | Wembley Stadium, London

Two former cruiserweight champions collide in a high-stakes heavyweight showdown as Lawrence “The Sauce” Okolie (21-1-0, 16 KOs) defends his WBC Silver Heavyweight Title against South Africa’s Kevin “The KO Kid” Lerena (31-3-0, 15 KOs). The bout serves as the co-main event on the blockbuster Usyk vs. Dubois II card at Wembley Stadium.

Tale of the Tape

Attribute	Lawrence Okolie	Kevin Lerena
Record	21-1-0 (16 KOs)	31-3-0 (15 KOs)
Age	32	33
Height	6′5″ (196 cm)	6′1″ (185 cm)
Reach	82.5″ (210 cm)	74″ (188 cm)
Stance	Orthodox	Southpaw
KO Percentage	76%	48%
Titles Held	WBC Silver Heavyweight	Former WBC Bridgerweight
Rankings	WBC #1, WBO #4, IBF #15	Unranked at heavyweight

Style Breakdown & Fight Analysis

Okolie is a rangy power puncher with a punishing jab and a devastating right hand. His awkward style and clinch-heavy tactics have frustrated opponents, but his recent move to heavyweight has unlocked explosive finishing ability—scoring back-to-back first-round KOs since losing his cruiserweight title to Chris Billam-Smith.

Lerena, a durable southpaw, brings rhythm, timing, and experience. He’s known for dropping Daniel Dubois three times in one round before being stopped, and he recently defended his bridgerweight title with a TKO win over Serhiy Radchenko.

Key Factors:

Okolie’s 9-inch reach advantage will be pivotal in controlling distance.

Lerena must close the gap and work inside to neutralize Okolie’s long-range weapons.

Both fighters peak in the middle rounds, making rounds 6–9 a likely window for fireworks.

How to Watch

Date: Saturday, July 19, 2025

Venue: Wembley Stadium, London

Ringwalk (Estimated): 8:30 PM BST / 3:30 PM ET

Broadcast: DAZN PPV (UK & US)

This bout is more than a title defense—it’s a proving ground. For Okolie, it’s a chance to solidify his status as a top heavyweight contender. For Lerena, it’s a shot at redemption and global recognition. Expect tension, tactics, and the potential for a highlight-reel finish.

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