Ryad Merhy gets his mandatory world title shot on May 30 in Belgium, where he challenges Kevin Lerena for the WBC bridgerweight title. Merhy enters as the WBC’s No. 1-ranked contender, making this a required defense for the South African champion.
Lerena (31-4, 15 KOs) brings the stronger championship experience and has continued to prove himself in high-level fights. In 2025, he stopped Ukrainian boxer Serhii Radchenko, adding another solid result to his run as WBC champion.
Merhy (35-3, 29 KOs) brings serious danger into the fight, especially with one of the strongest knockout ratios in the division. Fighting at home in Belgium should only add to his confidence, and his power, pressure and crowd support could make this a difficult night for Lerena.
The stakes are clear: Lerena is defending his belt and status, while Merhy finally gets the chance to turn his mandatory position into a world title. At bridgerweight, where one punch can change everything, this has the feel of a champion walking into hostile territory against a challenger built to make the most of it.
