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Lenar Perez To Face Former Two-Time World
Title Challenger Thabiso Mchunu, With Fendero vs. Fondjo As
Co-Feature Sept. 3 In Montreal
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).
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