Fight Preview
Kevin Lerena vs Ryad Merhy II
May 30, 2026
The Gym Rat's Prediction
Pick
Ryad Merhy
Method
Points Decision
Reasoning
These two are equally matched. Their first fight in South Africa ended in a unanimous decision win for Lerena with scores of 110-118, 112-116, 113-115. Merhy returned to action 7 months later in Paris, defeating local Olympic gold medallist Tony Yoka by split decision at heavyweight. He then travelled to the USA and lost a wide decision defeat to Jared Anderson. Three low-level wins followed, leading to this rematch. Lerena has losses to Daniel Dubois (TKO-3), Justis Huni (L-UD), Lawrence Okolie (L-UD), and Johnny Muller (L-UD) in an early career fight. Both are small heavyweights, so they have disadvantages against the behemoths at the top of boxingβs blue ribbon division. Both are 33 years old, but I feel that Merhy may be the fresher of the two and with home advantage can reverse the result of their first meeting
Fight Details
Fight
Kevin Lerena vs Ryad Merhy II
Date & Time
Saturday, May 30th, 2026
Championship
WBC Bridgerweight Title
Venue
The Dome, Charleroi, Belgium
Promoter
12 Rounds Promotion
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