It’s just as well that Kevin Lerena doesn’t mind fighting punchers.
He’s been matched with a good one for his US debut in April – against Brian “Bigg Risk” Howard of Atlanta, who has nine KOs in his 12 wins, against one loss.
Moreover, Howard is a switch hitter who will change up his game if the situation demands it. In his biggest win to date, he KO’d hot cruiserweight prospect Alex Guerrero in the first round two years ago.
It’s the right sort of fight for Lerena at this stage of his career; an opportunity to be tested before a major audience against a credible opponent.
Lerena will have plenty riding on the outing. This is because one of banner Promotions’ marquee names, Demetrius Andrade, won the WBA junior-middleweight belt in Germany at the weekend.
Promoter Rodney Berman explains: “Andrade is now in line for an HBO or Showtime deal. One of the repercussions is either Lerena or Xolisani Ndongeni being assured of mainstream TV on an Andrade undercard as all three are promoted by Art Pelullo. It really is a tremendous prospect and adds an exciting dimension to their fights.”
Indeed, Ndongeni is matched tough against Mason Menard (34-2) and must pull out all stops to convince Banner Promotions he is worth the fuss.
