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Pretoria set to serve up South Africa’s biggest Padel moment

Adnaan MohamedNews, Padel, PreviewLeave a Comment on Pretoria set to serve up South Africa’s biggest Padel moment
By Adnaan Mohamed

South African sport is preparing for another first. From 26 July to 2 August, Pretoria will host the country’s first professional Premier Padel tournament, with the world’s top players heading to the SunBet Arena at Time Square for a landmark event that could reshape the sport’s future across the continent.

The Pretoria Premier Padel P1 is the first tournament of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, placing South Africa firmly on the global padel map while giving the country’s leading players the chance to test themselves against the world’s elite on home soil.

Richard Ashforth, Luan Krige, Adam Van Harter, Warren Kuhn, Debbie van Aswegen and Marne Roos Photo: Supplied

Richard Ashforth and Luan Krige lead the South African men’s challenge alongside Egmond van Heerden and Jason Milner, while Adam van Harte and Warren Kuhn complete the local representation in the main draw.

In the women’s event, wildcard winners Linge Steenkamp and Zoe Kruger have earned their place among the sport’s biggest names after impressive performances on the domestic circuit.

Linge Steenkamp Photo: Supplied

One of the tournament’s most intriguing stories belongs to 15-year-old Basma Ali. The teenager is the youngest player in the field and will compete alongside some of the world’s finest professionals, highlighting the rapid growth of padel in South Africa and the pathway emerging for the country’s next generation.

Away from the court, organisers have assembled a week-long entertainment programme designed to turn the tournament into a sporting festival.

Jonathan Boynton-Lee and Lebo Mokoena will host the event, with DJ Nick Explicit, tournament mascot Moyà and the Vibe Squad providing entertainment throughout the week.

Finals weekend promises even more star power. DJ Maphorisa headlines Friday’s quarter-finals, Timo ODV takes centre stage during Saturday’s semi-finals, while Sunday’s finals will feature performances by Chrizz Beatz and the Mzansi Youth Choir.

“The Pretoria Premier Padel P1 is much more than a tournament, it’s a defining moment for padel and for South African sport,” said Primedia Sport vice-president Tobie Badenhorst.

“For the first time, South African fans will experience the world’s best professional padel players competing on home soil, while our own athletes have the opportunity to measure themselves against the very best. We look forward to welcoming fans to what promises to be an unforgettable week of sport, entertainment and celebration.”

Fans unable to attend will still be able to follow the action live. ESPN will broadcast the tournament across Sub-Saharan Africa from 27 July to 2 August via DStv Channel 218, StarTimes Channel 248 and ESPN’s linear channels on Disney+ in South Africa.

The closing stages from 31 July to 2 August will also be streamed worldwide on Red Bull TV, with Canal+ carrying the tournament for French-speaking audiences.

With international stars, South Africa’s leading players and a packed entertainment programme sharing the spotlight, Pretoria is preparing to deliver far more than another sporting event. It is set to serve the opening point in what many hope will become padel’s biggest chapter on African soil.

Kevin Lerena Defends his Boxing World Title on home soil

Roxanne MartinNewsLeave a Comment on Kevin Lerena Defends his Boxing World Title on home soil

This Thursday, 1 May 2025, Kevin Lerena will mark an historic milestone as he defends his world title at Sunbet Arena in Pretoria.

The stage is set for a historic night of boxing. Sunbet, in partnership with Legacy Boxing Promotions, is set to present “The Reckoning” – a night set to captivate local fans and make history in South African boxing, as a WBC world title will be defended on home soil for the first time. 

The official press conference took place on March 31, 2025, where key stakeholders, media and boxing enthusiasts gathered at the Sunbet Arena in Pretoria to discuss the 1 May spectacle. The conference was attended by Gideon Mann, COO of Sunbet, Dewald Mostert, CEO of Legacy Boxing Promotions, Mandla Ntlanganiso, CEO of Boxing South Africa (BSA), Kevin Lerena, as well as fellow undercard boxers Thabiso Mchunu, Chris Thompson, Lindo Khuzwayo, Tietsetso Matikinca. The event underscored the strong support and collaboration from all corners of the boxing world to bring “The Reckoning” to life. 

Sunbet, a leader in South Africa’s sports betting and entertainment industry, has long supported local sporting initiatives. Their involvement in “The Reckoning” underscores a commitment to investing in boxing, providing a platform for local talent while creating new opportunities for fighters and fans. Beyond sponsorship, Sunbet’s partnership with Legacy Boxing Promotions reflects a long-term dedication to growing South African boxing and restoring its prominence in the market. 

Simon Gregory, CEO of Sunbet, shared the vision behind the partnership: “It’s time to take boxing back to the top! We are excited to be a part of an event that we hope is just the first step in a new era for one of South Africa’s favourite pastimes. South Africa has such a rich history in the sport, from Presidents to past champions, that boxing is in the fabric of what makes this country great. That made the decision to become a title sponsor for ‘The Reckoning’ with the team at Legacy Boxing Promotions an easy one. We are committed to investing in the future of South African boxing, with this event serving as a platform for rising stars and seasoned fighters alike. With a full fight card and a world title on the line, the 1st May event promises to be an exceptional night, but it is also the beginning of something bigger – the reinvigoration of boxing in South Africa.” 

The main event features the WBC Bridgerweight World Championship bout between reigning champion Kevin “KO KING” Lerena and Ukrainian contender Serhiy Radchenko. This marks the first time a WBC world title will be defended on South African soil – a landmark moment for boxing in SA. 

Lerena, speaking on his title defense, says, “It’s an incredible feeling to defend the WBC World Title on home soil. Being the first to do so in South African history makes it even more special, and becoming only the third-ever WBC champion is a huge honour. To be able to do it in front of my home fans and my loyal Lerena Army is truly special, and it’s an honour to make history with them.” Lerena claimed the interim title in November 2023 with a unanimous

decision over Senad Gashi and was elevated to full champion in October 2024 when Lawrence Okolie moved up to heavyweight. 

The Bridgerweight division, originally created by the WBC and later adopted by the WBA, sits between cruiserweight and heavyweight with a 224 lb limit. Radchenko (11-7, 5 KOs), ranked fifth in the division, comes into the fight on a four-fight win streak, having recently outpointed 15-2-1 Andrej Pesic in Kiev. At 37, he aims to cause an upset in what promises to be a thrilling clash. 

The Reckoning Fight Card 
The action-packed card kicks off with rising talent on the Day Card in matchups like Jabulani Makhence vs. Antonio Maiala and Gary van Staden vs. Seth van Asweging, setting the stage for an explosive Main Card: 

Main Event (12 Rounds – WBC World Bridgerweight Title): Kevin Lerena (33–30W–3L) vs. Serhiy Radchenko (18–11W–7L) 

Co-Main Event (10 Rounds – Welterweight):  Tulz Mbenge (23–21W–2L) vs. Emmanuel Mungandjela (25–20W–4L–1D) 

Undercard Fights: 
• Thabiso Mchunu vs. Amandor Kalonji (Cruiserweight) 
• Chris Thompson vs. Mussa Ajibu (Heavyweight) 
• Lindo Khuzwayo vs. Sthembiso Maduna (Featherweight) 
• Tietsetso Matikinca vs. Mbulelo Gubula (Bantamweight) 

Gideon Mann, COO of Sunbet added, “I’ve always loved boxing, it’s in my blood. Some of my fondest memories are sitting between my father and grandfather, eyes glued to the screen, watching legends trade blows. To now play a part, alongside the incredible teams at Sunbet and Legacy, in bringing a WBC title fight back to South African soil feels like a dream. This is more than just a bout; it’s a revival of a proud tradition, a moment of national pride, and a heartfelt nod to where our passion began – from Baby Jake and Brian Mitchell to that iconic image of Mandela, gloves raised, embodying the fighting spirit of a nation.” 

Legacy Boxing Promotions’ Dewald Mostert also addressed the event’s broader significance for South African boxing: “The Reckoning” is a defining milestone for us. It represents everything we believe in – excellence, purpose, and national pride. This event marks the first time a WBC world title will be defended on South African soil, and that alone makes it historic. But beyond the title, it’s about creating legacy moments. South Africa has produced world champions across generations, and this is about reigniting that legacy. With the event’s stacked fight card and the exposure, it brings to both African and international talent, we’re showing the world that South Africa is ready to host elite boxing. For us, it’s not just about putting on a show – it’s about telling South Africa’s boxing story and building a future that lasts.” 

Boxing South Africa’s Support 
This monumental event has received full backing from Boxing South Africa (BSA), with Mandla Ntlanganiso, CEO of BSA, in attendance at the press conference.  

This event goes beyond just a title fight; it is a celebration of South Africa’s rich boxing heritage, a showcase of the nation’s boxing talent, and a global stage where history and passion collide. It represents the convergence of South Africa’s past, present, and future in the boxing world