Kevin Lerena Promotes Fistic Havoc: A New Era for African Boxing

FRESH FROM successfully defending his WBC Bridgerweight title, Kevin Lerena trades the gloves for a suit this month in his role as promoter when his Aquilla Boxing Promotions hosts Fistic Havoc at the Sandton Convention Centre.

The fledgling promotions company has been steadily carving out a new lane for local boxing, one that respects tradition but demands excellence. And this latest offering on June 21 speaks to exactly that.

To be headlined by the fast-improving Boyd Allen, whose switch from Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) to boxing has been phenomenal, the eight-fight bill promises to be a thrilling affair.

Allen, a former Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) superstar takes on Botswana’s undefeated Kagiso Bagwasi with the IBO All Africa Super Welterweight title at stake.

It is a fight that excites Lerena: “This fight speaks to everything we’re trying to do at Aquila. It’s about opportunity, it’s about quality matchups, and it’s about putting African talent on a bigger stage. We don’t want to just put on fights, we want to raise the standard. If you’re fighting under the Aquila banner, it means you’re part of something bigger.”

It is what Allen wanted when he made the switch of sport – he took a rare move for a competitor, he abandoned the world of success and started anew.

"I wanted it to be consistent. I wasn’t looking for the sporadic flashy matchup. I wanted to construct something again.”

And he has done exactly that alright, the man who had built up a 16-6-1 MMA record in featherweight and lightweight fights chalking up eight victories with a draw and a defeat in the sweet science of boxing.

“He's not a crossover guy, he's a total pro," Lerena says. "What Boyd’s accomplished is a one-off. He did not just show up- he evolved. This is his new normal.”

On paper, Allen is ring-wise. He's been tested. He's been around the block a few times. He's fought under adversity. But facing him in the ring will be a real headache – Bagwasi is a rising star from across the border with an impressive unbeaten record in his six fights – three of which he won by stoppages.

His explosive first-round knockout of Almighty Moyo in March raised eyebrows across the region and made him a serious title contender.

For Allen, the mission is clear: win the belt, silence any lingering doubts, and continue building toward a legacy not just as an MMA standout, but as a legitimate boxing force. He’s not chasing hype — he’s chasing greatness.

“This fight is important,” Allen has said. 

“Not just for the title, but for everything I’ve put into this sport since stepping away from MMA. I’m all in.”

Also all in are the backers of Lerena and Aquila Boxing Promotions, a fact the man they call Two Guns is quick to acknowledge.

"We're beyond grateful to have powerhouse partners in our corner, the kind who don’t just support the vision, they supercharge it. Massive thanks to my sponsors: World Sports Betting, Tigris Wealth, Supersport, JCP Steel, and HP. Without your backing, this event wouldn’t be the premier, high-calibre showcase it is today. You don’t just elevate the event — you define it." 

Boyd will be out to define his already blossoming career on fight night.