The countdown to July 19 at Wembley Stadium just got more intense. With the heavyweight title unification between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois headlining, fans now have another electrifying battle to anticipate: Kevin Lerena vs Lawrence Okolie for the WBC Silver heavyweight title.

This isn’t just another undercard filler. It’s a seismic collision between two elite-level fighters with reputations, careers, and championship ambitions on the line. For Lawrence Okolie, it’s a chance at redemption and resurgence. For Kevin Lerena, it’s about cementing himself as a legitimate heavyweight force.

The stakes couldn’t be higher—and the winner might just be one step away from a world title shot.

Kevin Lerena: A Silent Storm Building Power

Kevin Lerena (31-3) has flown under the radar for most casual fans, but among insiders and dedicated boxing aficionados, he’s known as one of the most dangerous southpaws in the heavyweight division.

Originally rising through the cruiserweight and bridgerweight ranks, Lerena now holds the WBC bridgerweight world title. His resume boasts power, ring IQ, and the kind of quiet confidence that only comes from surviving the fire—and thriving in it.

The Dubois Scare Elevated His Stock

In December 2022, Lerena shocked the boxing world when he dropped Daniel Dubois three times in the first round of their clash. Though Dubois staged a stunning comeback to stop him in the third, Lerena had already proven that his power and pressure could trouble even the most hyped prospects.

Since then, Lerena has only grown more dangerous. He rattled Justis Huni in Saudi Arabia and successfully defended his WBC bridgerweight belt against Serhiy Radchenko in May 2025. Now, he steps back into the heavyweight spotlight with one clear goal:

“I want to dominate this division. Okolie is just another name on the way to the top.”

Lawrence Okolie: From Glory to Redemption

Lawrence “The Sauce” Okolie (21-2) knows what it feels like to be on top—and what it feels like to fall.

From 2021 to 2023, Okolie held the WBO cruiserweight title, terrorizing opponents with his reach, awkward style, and suffocating clinch game. But his momentum hit a brick wall when Chris Billam-Smith outpointed him in a scrappy, frustrating affair that saw Okolie lose his title and aura of invincibility.

Moving Up to Heavyweight

In 2024, Okolie reinvented himself, moving up to the heavyweight division and scoring a first-round knockout over Hussein Muhamed in his debut. That win put the heavyweight landscape on notice—Okolie was serious about this second chapter.

And now, with the WBC Silver heavyweight title on the line, he has the opportunity to reassert his presence not just as a contender, but as a future champion.

“This isn’t just a comeback—this is my rebirth,” Okolie said. “Lerena is a strong opponent, but I’m not the same man who lost to Billam-Smith. I’m better, smarter, and hungrier.”

What Is the WBC Silver Heavyweight Title and Why It Matters

The WBC Silver title isn’t just a decorative belt—it’s a launchpad to world title contention. Many WBC champions—past and present—have first captured the Silver belt before stepping into full championship bouts. Think of it as a golden ticket into the world title picture.

For both Okolie and Lerena, winning this belt means being next in line for a crack at the full WBC world title, especially in a landscape that could soon be reshuffled depending on what happens in Usyk vs Dubois II and the WBC mandatory picture.

Tale of the Tape: Lerena vs Okolie

Fighter
Kevin Lerena
Lawrence Okolie

Nationality
South African
British

Record
31-3 (14 KOs)
21-2 (16 KOs)

Style
Southpaw
Orthodox

Height
6’1″ (185 cm)
6’5″ (196 cm)

Reach
75″ (190 cm)
82.5″ (210 cm)

Notable Wins
Radchenko, Huni (close), Seferi
Glowacki, Ngabu, Jezewski

Recent Fight
UD over Radchenko (May 2025)
KO over Muhamed (Dec 2024)

The size advantage clearly leans toward Okolie, who is taller, longer, and more naturally built for the heavyweight division. However, Lerena’s compact power, southpaw stance, and battle-tested chin make him a difficult assignment for anyone.

Keys to Victory: Lerena

Pressure Early: Lerena is at his most dangerous when he starts fast, like he did against Dubois.

Work the Body: Okolie’s long torso is vulnerable to body shots, especially from a shorter fighter with tight hooks.

Avoid the Clinch: Okolie often smothers opponents inside. Lerena needs clean distance and lateral movement.

Keys to Victory: Okolie

Establish the Jab: With his 82.5-inch reach, Okolie must keep Lerena at bay with a stiff, constant jab.

Tie Him Up: When Lerena gets close, Okolie should clinch and frustrate him, draining his gas tank.

Use Angles: Okolie has developed awkward angles that confuse more technical boxers—he needs to keep Lerena guessing.

What’s at Stake for Both Fighters

For Okolie, a win means everything. It restores credibility, opens doors to top contenders, and shows that he belongs among boxing’s elite. A loss, on the other hand, would be devastating—a second major setback in three fights, threatening to stall his heavyweight ambitions.

For Lerena, this is about legitimacy. He’s been criticized for operating in the shadows of bridgerweight and cruiserweight. Beating a name like Okolie—on a global stage—would finally earn him the recognition he craves.

“I’ve beaten warriors. I’ve taken hard shots and come back. Okolie is skilled, but he’s never faced a storm like me,” Lerena stated confidently.

Could the Winner Face a Top 5 Opponent Next?

Absolutely. The WBC Silver title often leads to a mandatory challenger position or, at the very least, a fight with a top-five ranked contender. Should Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, or Jared Anderson be looking for opponents later in the year, the winner of Lerena vs Okolie will be first in line for a money fight.

There’s also the intriguing possibility of a WBC Interim title fight if the current champion (either Usyk or Dubois post-July 19) vacates or pursues another undisputed rematch.

Usyk vs Dubois Overshadows, but Lerena vs Okolie Could Steal the Show

While all eyes are on Usyk vs Dubois II, many believe the Lerena vs Okolie bout could steal the show. With contrasting styles, huge stakes, and two hungry warriors, this WBC Silver fight could end in explosive fashion.

In fact, both fighters have the tools to pull off a highlight-reel finish—and with the global boxing community watching, there’s every reason to believe they’ll go for it.

Final Prediction: Lerena’s Power or Okolie’s Reach?

This fight is hard to call. If Lerena gets inside early, disrupts the rhythm, and lands to the body, he could stop Okolie mid-rounds. But if Okolie maintains discipline, boxes at range, and makes it awkward—he could outpoint the South African or score a late stoppage.

Ultimately, the winner will be one step closer to a world title shot, and the loser will need to rethink their place in this stacked division.