Interview with The Soldier, Moreno Fendero
On September 3 at the Montreal Casino, Moreno Fendero will step into the biggest fight of his career when he faces Stéphane Fondjo in a semifinal bout that could propel him toward the top of the super middleweight division.
But behind the rising boxer is a man going through one of the most difficult periods of his life. Just weeks before this crucial matchup, Moreno lost his brother, a soldier whom he deeply admired.
I won’t hide it: this is the first time I’ve conducted an interview in this format. It means a great deal to launch this series with a boxer I consider a friend. All of Quebec would benefit from getting to know Moreno Fendero. In boxing terms, he has the charisma of Lucian Bute, the smile of Yves Ulysse Jr., and a chiseled physique reminiscent of Dierry Jean.
I would also like to point out that it was Moreno himself who picked up the phone to call matchmaker Jordan Mathieu and ask for highly ranked, experienced opponents. He has never asked for the easy road.
Photo: Jeff Lockhart – Moreno Fendero vs. Jonathan González Ortiz
In this interview with Punching Grace, the French-born fighter opens up about this personal tragedy, the values the military instilled in him, his decision to leave everything behind and rebuild his career in Quebec, and the love he has developed for Montreal, a city he now proudly calls home.
Laurent: You’re going through an incredibly difficult week following the passing of your brother. Would you like to tell us about the man he was and what he meant to you?
Moreno Fendero: Losing someone close is always difficult. My brother left this world with the greatest honor a soldier can receive. Right now, my entire family is gathered for his funeral, but I have to stay focused. I know he would have wanted me to keep moving forward. I wish him a safe journey, and after my September 3 fight, I’ll pay him the tribute he deserves. I’ll also be fighting for him.
Laurent: You also wore the uniform as a soldier. What values did that experience leave you with?
Moreno Fendero: What I learned in the military can’t be matched anywhere else in the world. Discipline, professionalism, values, and life lessons will stay with me until my very last breath.
Photo: Instagram – Moreno Fendero
Laurent: You left France to rebuild your career in Quebec. When did you tell yourself, “I’m leaving everything behind”?
Moreno Fendero: The moment I arrived in Montreal, I immediately fell in love with the city… Today, I’m a true Montrealer. And man, it feels good!
Laurent: You came to Montreal for boxing. When did Montreal become home?
Moreno Fendero: Montreal embraced me. I arrived here like a king, and I’ll leave like a legend… although deep down, I hope they never let me leave.
Laurent: What has Montreal given you?
Moreno Fendero: Montreal has given me focus, independence, and a new way of looking at life. Its greatest wealth is its people.
Laurent: If a friend was hesitating about moving to Montreal, what would you tell them?
Moreno Fendero: I’d simply tell them: come. I’ll take care of you the way Montreal took care of me.
Photo: Instagram – Moreno Fendero
Laurent: After everything you’ve been through, what still drives you to step into the ring?
Moreno Fendero: I still have things to prove to myself. I’m never completely satisfied, and that’s what pushes me to keep surpassing my limits.
Laurent: What should Moreno Fendero’s fans remember about you?
Moreno Fendero: My million-dollar smile! Behind that smile is a man who works hard and always gets back up.
Laurent: What would a victory on September 3 mean?
Moreno Fendero: It’s an incredibly important semifinal. Even after my brother passed away, I stayed locked in because I had promised him a surprise.
Laurent: Would a victory bring you closer to the top?
Moreno Fendero: Yes. It would move me closer to the top spots in the world rankings. Every day, I work to put on the best show possible.
Photo: Vitor Munhoz – Moreno Fendero
Although he can’t afford to look past Stéphane Fondjo, Ian MacKillop’s protégé knows exactly what’s at stake. Fondjo presents a major challenge with his reach and experience. A convincing victory would send a clear message to the 168-pound division.
On September 3, Moreno Fendero will be ready.
