Kevin Lerena is now aiming for the full WBC bridgerweight title, after winning a tough decision over Ryad Merhy last month at Emperors Palace.

Dangerous puncher Lukasz Rozanski captured the vacant WBC title in April, with a first round destruction of Alen Babic.

Lerena's fight with Merhy was a WBC final eliminator.

"The win in the most important thing. It was good hard-fought bout, and I knew it would be hard, but I also knew what I had to do to win. I needed this win coming off the loss in the previous fight and it was probably one of the hardest fights I had," Lerena told sportscaster Robert Marawa

"This was just an objective, not the ultimate goal. That’s the fight against Rozanski for the world title. I had to adapt to the defensive style that he brought to the contest, but the win meant a lot to me."

Beyond Rozanski, Lerena would like to get back to the heavyweight division.

Last December, Lerena suffered a third round stoppage loss at the hands of Daniel Dubois, who himself was down three times in the fight.

"There was nothing left for me at the cruiserweight division, and I struggled to make the weight. I had to drop 14kgs every time I fought and that’s not healthy. I went up to test the waters and I got hit by a wave that has sent me back a bit. The comeback now is a quest to the bridgerweight championship and then the heavyweight title of the world," Lerena said.

"I know I will get the opportunity to do these things again and when they come around, I will make the most of it. I appreciate the people’s support and they help me to be who I am. The least I can do is engage with the audience. I always want to treat everyone the same and they are a valuable addition to your brand."