Geraldine Lerena on pioneering the future of South African boxing
Seen here (l-r): Kevin and Geraldine Lerena, and Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Boxing South Africa (BSA) is Mandla Ntlanganiso. Picture: Alexius van der Westhuizen
Image: Alexius van der Westhuizen
As co-founder and chief executive of Aquila Boxing Promotions, Geraldine Lerena is one of the pioneering female promoters in South African boxing, and for her it’s all about growing the sport in the country.
Together with her husband and WBC bridgerweight champion Kevin Lerena, Geraldine founded Aquila Boxing Promotions (ABP).
ABP says in its mission statement: “Aquila combines grassroots development with high-calibre professional showcases, giving fighters a platform to rise and fans a reason to rally.
“With a growing reputation for quality matchmaking and production, Aquila is shaping the future of African boxing — one fight at a time.”
Geraldine’s Impact on Shaping the Sport: Providing a Platform for Young Fighters and Promoting Female Bouts
For Geraldine, the opportunity to give back to the sport that has given her family so much is fulfilling.
“It’s incredibly exciting what we’re able to do. I just feel extremely privileged to be able to provide a platform for young fighters to showcase their talents and to build their records and just to show us what they can do. So I think it’s a really exciting time,” Geraldine told IOL Sports in an exclusive interview.
In ABP’s most recent event last week, a rare female bout was included on the fight card. Ensuring the fight between Keabetso Mathane and Abigail Gabonewe happened was an example of how Geraldine is helping shape the sport in the country.
“It’s really, really great. It’s obviously difficult to put female fights on just because the divisions are really, really thin. So to be able to put a fight on for Women’s Month is really, really great.”
Geraldine’s Support and Kevin’s Journey as ABP Ambassador
As for Geraldine’s support of 33-year-old Kevin, who has now fought 35 times in his career, it’s been a whirlwind journey.
“It’s amazing. He’s such a terrific fighter and just such a role model to so many. I’m just always so proud of him.”
With Kevin working as the ambassador for ABP since the company was founded in November last year, it’s given the dynamic duo a chance to experience a new challenge.
“It’s really rewarding. I mean, he’s just so hard-working, so to be able to work with him alongside him is really fantastic,” said Geraldine.
“It’s really great. Just to be able to listen to all the fighters, how grateful they are that we are able to provide a platform, is just really rewarding.”