Moreno Fendero will face 28-year-old Cameroonian Stephane Fondjo on September 3, in a major matchup for both men. While the vast majority of fans are backing Fendero (96% on Tapology), Fondjo has no doubt whatsoever that he will win.
The two boxers have already faced each other several times in training, and Stéphane sees this as a definite advantage for him.
“Boxing someone I already know is an advantage. I know what to expect. I know what I need to do to win. In sparring, I was doing things to help him. So maybe he thought he was dominating me, but we were working on things for his own preparation,” he said during an interview.
Those training sessions therefore do not worry him at all. In fact, he sees them as an advantage, despite the moments when things did not go his way in the gym.
He is even convinced that Moreno has never done anything to prove to him that he was superior or that he had more “skills” than him.
Photo: IG – Patrice Volny, Moreno Fendero and Stephane Fondjo
Ready to surprise after his loss to Butler
Stephane Fondjo is preparing to step into the ring for the second time at an Eye of the Tiger event. In his last fight, he was stopped in the 9th round by powerful Montreal puncher Steven Butler.
He nevertheless had some strong moments toward the end of the fight, just before the stoppage.
He is therefore warning those who might rely on that performance to predict the outcome of his next fight.
“After the fight against Butler, they will be disappointed. If Eye of the Tiger offered me this fight to test one of their prospects, they will be disappointed with the result for their boxer. They saw me fight Butler, and in my opinion, it was a revealing fight. That is a factor that has given me these opportunities,” he said.
In the Cameroonian’s mind, there is no doubt: fans in attendance on September 3 can expect to see him dominate throughout the fight.
Photo: Facebook – Steven Butler vs Stephane Fondjo
A surprise reserved for the fans
He nevertheless remains discreet about certain aspects, particularly the impact a victory could have on his career.
“The truth is, I’m focused on September 3. Of course, a victory would put me in the world’s top 20, so everything else will come naturally,” said the 28-year-old boxer.
But he admits that this fight has now become personal.
Fondjo confirms that their training sessions have always been respectful, but this time, everything will be different.
“In sparring, it was respectful because I was helping him. A fight is war; everything becomes personal. And he said I’m not going to be laughing for long, so of course it’s personal.”
Stephane also acknowledges that his style varies from one fight to another. Moreno will therefore have to prepare for every possibility when he steps into the ring.
“I have my own style. Every fight is different. If you watch my fights, there isn’t a single one that is the same, so that’s a surprise I’m reserving for the fans on September 3,” he said.
Photo: IG – Stephane Fondjo and Ian Mackillop
