KEVIN Lerena, the 23-year-old South African Cruiserweight Boxing Champion, has bought a share in Green Street Bloodstock’s recent yearling acquisition, Royal Silvano, a smart looker by new stallion Bold Silvano who was this week duly renamed, ‘’The KO Kid”.
Kevin may look menacing in the ring and his record of 11 knockout wins from 16 fights tells the story, but in reality he’s a jovial guy with a good sense of humour and he loves horseracing as much as boxing. He got the nickname ‘’The KO Kid” from his many supporters, holds the South African Title in the Cruiserweight Division, also the WBA Africa Champion Title and the WBC Youth Title.
Ranked at Number 17 in the world, Kevin has set his sights on reaching the top of a profession he chose above becoming a jockey at age 15. He comments: “In another two or three fights I could to be in contention to fight for top ranking, the WBA and WBC world titles.”
Kevin grew up in a racing family, hence his decision to become involved in ownership. His father, Anton, trained for a while in the 1980s and his uncle, Spike, has long been a stalwart trainer in the SA industry. His cousin Gavin Lerena is the current SA Champion Jockey and another cousin Brandon Lerena is an equally talented rider competing at top level.
He opines: “Racing needs young owners to grow, it is the lifeblood of the sport and I am testing the water with this purchase. The KO Kid is a beautifully bred horse, he has the looks and I’m hoping he will give us the enjoyment that goes with his pedigree and conformation.
“It’s an exciting venture and in time I would like to get other high-profile sporting personalities involved in ownership. Racing gives me a thrill, I have always been involved with horses, I know the game and I know the thoroughbred.”
Kevin fights for his mentor, coach Peter Smith, trains near Linden in Johannesburg and he tells: “I wanted to be a jockey like Gavin and Brandon but in training for boxing I became too big and heavy. Cruiserweight is the 90kg division, it falls between light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions and I’d be the heaviest jock around!”
He gets his income from boxing matches and also receives endorsements and sponsorships in the competitive professional sporting arena. He tells: “This is a life that calls for full dedication and being involved in a racehorse gives me an opportunity to unwind when I can.”
There are a few shares still available in the KO Kid, so if you’d like to race a potential champion with a champion partner, here is your chance! Go to the Horses For Sale page on www.greenstreetbloodstock.co.za for details.