Kevin Lerena is a world champion again after securing the vacant WBC International Cruiserweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Scotland’s Scott Forrest at the Sandton Convention Centre.

The South African won on all three judges’ scorecards, with scores of 97-92, 97-92 and 98-91, in a convincing performance that was far from routine.

Lerena had promised a war, and Forrest arrived prepared to give him exactly that.

The former world champion was sharper, stronger and more explosive from the opening bell, using his jab effectively while attacking the body and landing heavy combinations. But despite absorbing significant punishment, Forrest refused to fold and repeatedly found ways to survive whenever Lerena threatened to end the contest.

Lerena’s experience and patience proved crucial as he controlled large portions of the fight, steadily breaking down his opponent while remaining disciplined.

The biggest moment came in the ninth round when Lerena landed a perfectly timed right hook that sent Forrest to the canvas. The Scottish fighter beat the count and continued to fight, maintaining his reputation for resilience.

After eight rounds, the WBC scorecards had Lerena comfortably ahead at 78-74, 77-75 and 77-75. With two rounds remaining, the South African continued to press rather than take unnecessary risks, working the body, finding his range with the jab and looking for openings.

The final round produced another knockdown. With around a minute remaining, Lerena landed another right hook that sent Forrest crashing to the canvas. He went looking for the stoppage, but Forrest once again showed remarkable toughness to survive until the final bell.

It was Lerena’s first fight at cruiserweight since 2020. After spending time campaigning at heavyweight and bridgerweight, the 34-year-old returned to the division after a five-month transformation that saw him drop from around 107kg to make the 90.7kg cruiserweight limit.

Despite his dominant display, Lerena was quick to praise his opponent for refusing to give up.

“Firstly, listen, a round of applause for Scott Forrest, a tough competitor. Thank you, Scott,” Lerena said after the fight.

The victory also puts Lerena in a strong position for another shot at a major world title.

The South African revealed that he is currently ranked sixth in the WBC cruiserweight standings and has his sights firmly set on another world title opportunity.

“I’ve got an international belt now. I’m rated number six in the world in the WBC. The division is hot, so I need to sit tight, I need to jockey for position, get myself on the fence, and wait for my shot.”

For Lerena, the victory marks another important chapter in a career that has seen him compete across multiple weight divisions. With the WBC International title now around his waist and a top-six ranking, the road towards another world championship opportunity is firmly back in sight.

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