Visiting fighter promises fireworks as he faces former world champ in high-stakes clash

Whoever considered Scott “Furious” Forrest as a stepping stone for Kevin “Two Guns” Lerena towards his bigger personal career goal based on Forrest’s fight record could eat humble pie.

A novice of eight wins and five knockouts against three losses, the Scotsman maintained steady eye contact, smiling, nodding and keeping an open posture showing attentiveness during their press briefing. Forrest even promised fans an explosive show against the man whose aspiration is to win another world boxing title in the cruiserweight division.

Lerena ruled with an iron fist as the IBO champ before winning the WBC bridgerweight belt. The fight against Forrest at Sandton Convention Centre on Saturday night will be Lerena’s return to that weight class.

His last fight was in 2020 when he successfully defended his IBO title with a sixth-round technical knockout victory against Firat Arslan at the EWS Arena in Göppingen, Germany.

Lerena’s No 6 spot in the WBC cruiserweight ratings will be at stake against Forrest, who is yet to be noticed by that boxing body’s ratings committee.

The vacant WBC International title fight will be at stake.

Forrest poked a snake in its hole with his response after being asked how he will approach vastly experienced Lerena, who boasts 31 wins, 15 KOs and four losses.

“There are zero surprises in the ring with the experience I have,” said 32-year-old Forrest, who has not fought against a recognisable name.

“I am ready for anything. The way he fights, the way I fight, you can expect an explosive fight. How you beat him, you will see that on Saturday night.”

Lerena communicated with respect, courtesy and a focus on ideas rather than personal attacks. But the mood changed after Forrest’s response.

“I am an explosive fighter. I light up the show,” he fired back.

With no amateur background, trainer Peter Smith, a former heavyweight boxer, had no difficulties teaching Lerena the finer details of boxing.

Luckily Lerena was and still is a willing horse.

“I am a special fighter with a great team,” said the former SA, IBO and WBF cruiserweight and WBC bridgerweight world champion, who has been with Smith for 15 years.

Forrest is a nine-time national amateur champion, competed for Team GB and represented Scotland at the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games and the World Championships.

Lerena has fought big names, including Daniel Dubois, Lawrence Okolie and Ryad Merhy, and is returning to the cruiserweight division after dropping down from bridgerweight.

Forrest looks to secure a major career-defining victory against a high-profile former world titleholder.

The Lerena-Forrest fight will be the main bout of the ABP event. The main supporting bout between Jarred “Mr Hollywood” Silverman and Stephanus “Waan” Pypers promises to be a fierce, high-energy and physical fight.

“I hope he makes it to the ring, that’s the most important thing,” said Silverman. “Once he does that, he will get the hiding of his life.

Pypers said: “Tickets have been sold out, so there’s no need for me to run my mouth. I hope he makes it out of that ring.”

There will be five other bouts and action will begin at 7pm.