The World Boxing Council's WBC newly-established bridgerweight division, its 18th weight class, has come as a blessing to South African fighters, especially those who have been campaigning in the heavyweight division.
Established by WBC president Mauricio Sulaimn in 2020, the division sits between the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions.
It caters for small heavyweight fighters, with a weight limit of 106kg. Former IBO cruiserweight champion Kevin Lerena rules the division with an iron fist after his stunning defeat of Ukrainian Serhiy Radchenko in Pretoria on Thursday.
South African heavyweight champion Shaun Potgieter and former national heavyweight champions Chris Thompson and Keaton Gomes are also rated in that weight class.
Gomes won his debut match in the division in the WBC Grand Prix Series in Saudi Arabia last month.