A hand injury picked up at training on Tuesday has put paid to International Boxing Organisation (IBO) cruiserweight champion Kevin Lerena’s chances of fighting for a World Boxing Association (WBA) title.
Lerena was due to clash with WBA champion Ryan Merhy in Brussels, Belgium, on Sunday, 17 July. Both Lerena and Ivorian-born Mehry’s titles were going to be at stake.
“I’m absolutely gutted to say the least. My WBA and IBO world title fight has been called off because I injured my hand in sparring yesterday and it requires immediate surgical intervention,” Lerena said.
“I tried my best to continue however the pain was too severe and an operation is the only route to fix the tendons and the bone in my hand. I’m devastated but this is professional sport. Injuries are part of the journey.”
The 29-year-old Lerena, who was already preparing for the fight overseas, is set to return home to undergo surgery.
“I want to extend my apologies to team Merhy and gratitude for being understanding,” the former South African cruiserweight champion said.
