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Philippines, 24 Jun 2026 |
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Lenar Perez to Face Former Two-Time World Title Challenger Thabiso Mchunu, with Fendero-Fondjo as Co-Feature on September 3 in Montreal! PhilBoxing.com Wed, 24 Jun 2026  MONTREAL, June 23, 2026 — WBA Continental cruiserweight champion Lenar Perez will face the toughest test of his career on September 3 when he takes on two-time world title challenger Thabiso “The Rock” Mchunu in the main event of an Eye of the Tiger card at the Casino de Montréal. "When I signed with EOTTM, I knew the challenges would be there. Thabiso Mchunu has a wealth of experience against the very best in the world. This is exactly the kind of fight that will allow me to prove that I belong among the elite of the division myself," said four-time Cuban national amateur champion Lenar Perez. "We believe Lenar Perez is the best cruiserweight in the world, and while we wait for the opportunity to prove it against Jai Opetaia or David Benavidez, we intend to send a clear message to them and the entire division through Mchunu on September 3," added EOTTM President Camille Estephan. Boasting one of the most decorated amateur careers in boxing, Lenar Perez (16-0, 14 KOs) wasted no time making an impact in the professional ranks. After winning his first 14 bouts by stoppage, the fighter nicknamed “The Cuban Prince” traveled to Russia and defeated former world title challenger Aleksei Egorov on hostile territory. He then signed a long-term agreement with EOTTM and made his North American debut last March, completely shutting out former world title challenger Isaac Chilemba. Currently ranked No. 3 by the WBA, No. 9 by the IBF, No. 11 by the WBO, and No. 18 by the WBC, Perez is looking to secure the biggest opportunities of his career by winning his first main event on Quebec soil. South African boxer Thabiso Mchunu (25-8, 14 KOs), however, is no stranger to the world level—or to those seeking to reach it. In 2013, in Connecticut, Mchunu spoiled American heavyweight Eddie Chambers' cruiserweight debut. In 2014, in Atlantic City, he captured the NABF title from Nigerian puncher Olanrewaju Durodola. In 2016, live on HBO, he received his first world title opportunity against none other than Oleksandr Usyk, engaging in a hard-fought nine-round battle. Then, after defeating former world champions Thomas Oosthuizen (2018) and Denis Lebedev (2019), he returned to the world title stage in 2022, falling by split decision to Junior Makabu in a fight many observers believed he had won. Having resumed his quest for a third world title shot, “The Rock” will be seeking a third consecutive victory when he faces Perez. While the main event carries an international flavor, the co-feature will add a local touch to the evening, as Montreal fighters Moreno Fendero (15-0, 11 KOs) and Stephane Fondjo (15-2-1, 10 KOs) square off for the WBC Continental Americas super middleweight title. "I have a lot of respect for Stephane, but once we're in the ring, there will be no more respect. We've sparred together before. We know each other well, so we're going to give everyone a great fight, but I'll just say that the Soldier has a nice surprise in store for him," commented defending champion Moreno “The Soldier” Fendero, currently ranked No. 25 in the WBC world rankings. "Whenever we can make local fights like this happen, we do it. It's an important step in a boxer's career. It adds a psychological dimension that Moreno will have to navigate for the first time," noted EOTTM Head Trainer and Director of Development Marc Ramsay. "Unlike many boxers, Stephane isn't interested in padding his record—he wants to fight the best. After 18 professional fights, I believe he's ready to beat the best. I like Moreno, but I have no doubt that Stephane will hand him his first defeat," stated trainer Ian MacKillop, whose fighter engaged in a fierce battle with Steven Butler despite a shortened training camp in November 2025. Also scheduled to compete on September 3 are two-time Prospect of the Year nominee Jhon Orobio (18-0, 16 KOs), Buckingham puncher Alexandre Gaumont (14-1, 9 KOs), Canada's most recent Olympic medalist Wyatt Sanford (7-0, 3 KOs), and Eye of the Tiger's Montreal-based prospect Keven Beausejour (3-0, 3 KOs). The full #PerezMchunu event will be broadcast on Punching Grace, while TVA Sports will air the preliminary bouts in Quebec. Tickets for the September 3 event are on sale now through Ticketmaster (HERE). Photos from the most recent fights of Lenar Perez, Moreno Fendero, and the undercard fighters are also available in EOTTM's press kit (HERE).  |
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