Headlining Debut for Jhon Orobio, with Lenar Perez in co-feature, and Steven Butler vs Erik Bazinyan on November 12 in Montreal

MONTREAL, September 24, 2026 — After 19 wins in as many fights and a meteoric rise through the world rankings, Jhon Orobio is ready for the next step. On November 12, at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal, Eye of the Tiger will hand the reins of a main event to its 22-year-old Colombian prodigy for the very first time.

“I made it a point of honour to give Jhon Orobio his first main event after his last fight. It’s one thing for us, as promoters, to say that our boxers are the best, but in this case, it’s practically unanimous. His two nominations for The Ring Magazine awards already prove it, but I would add that after the fight against Moran, a WBC executive told me that he already believed Jhon was capable of beating anyone in the division,” said EOTTM President Camille Estephan.

Widely regarded as one of the best young talents in the sport, Jhon Orobio (19-0, 17 KO) was nominated for The Ring Magazine Prospect of the Year award in 2024 and 2025. Already a two-time WBC and WBA continental champion at super-lightweight (140 lbs), he has won and defended his titles by demolishing Zsolt Osadan, Ivan Basurto, Xolisani Ndongeni, Yomar Alamo, Jonathan Montrel and Antonio Moran over the past 18 months alone. With 17 stoppage wins in 19 fights, an impressive 89% rate, Orobio has quickly carved out a place among the elite of his division. At just 22 years old, the protégé of Marc Ramsay is already ranked No. 7 in the world by both the WBC and WBA, while also holding the No. 12 spot in the IBF rankings.

But Orobio’s rise in Quebec has not taken place solely inside the ring. Arriving in Montréal in 2023 without speaking French, the Colombian learned the language in just three years, demonstrating his desire to fully integrate into his new home and the community that quickly embraced him.

“It is a great honour for me. The trust my team has in me is worth its weight in gold in my eyes, so I don’t intend to disappoint them, nor the Montréal public that welcomed me so warmly when I arrived here in 2023. I will continue to train hard to put on a performance that will allow me to thank them on November 12, and at the same time, prove that I am the best,” said the fighter known as “El Tigre.”

The co-main event will feature Lenar Perez (17-0, 15 KO), who will make a quick return to the ring after scoring one of the biggest victories of his career on September 3. That night, the WBA continental cruiserweight (200 lbs) champion stopped two-time world title challenger Thabiso Mchunu in the eighth round, becoming the first boxer to accomplish the feat since Oleksandr Usyk in 2016. Now ranked No. 4 in the world by the WBA, No. 9 by the IBF and No. 10 by the WBO, the powerful Cuban now wants to capitalize on his momentum and continue his progression toward his first world championship fight.

While Orobio and Perez look to solidify their places among the world elite, two familiar faces to Quebec boxing fans will have something very different to prove on November 12 — both to EOTTM and to themselves. Steven Butler and Erik Bazinyan will square off in a pivotal bout that could very well determine the direction of their respective careers.

“I recently stated that I wanted to see Steven Butler retire, and I won’t hide from that. His health is, and always will be, my priority. That being said, the final decision was Steven’s, and out of respect and honour for everything we have accomplished together over 45 fights, I told him that if he can prove to me that he still has what it takes for one last run, I would be ready to do it alongside him,” commented Camille Estephan, who has worked with Butler since 2014.

Last June, two-time world title challenger Steven Butler (38-6-1, 32 KO) delivered a valiant performance at the legendary Madison Square Garden, where he notably sent hard-hitting New Yorker Edgar Berlanga to the canvas. But if the Montréal native wants to prove that he can keep the flame burning, his opponent, Laval’s Erik Bazinyan (32-1-1, 23 KO), will have to show that he still possesses it as well. Out of the ring since his September 2024 fight against Jaime Munguia, “Bzo” has since withdrawn from the aforementioned fight against “BangBang” on three occasions, prompting EOTTM to suspend the Armenian-born boxer. Saying that he has overcome his demons, and having displayed impeccable dedication in training over the past few months, Bazinyan now says he is ready to return stronger than ever.

The opponents for the main event and co-main event will be announced in the coming days, as will those for the undercard. The latter will include undefeated prospect Avery Martin Duval (16-0-1, 8 KO), Canadian Olympic medallist Wyatt Sanford (8-0, 4 KO), as well as EOTTM’s newest signing, Keven Beausejour (4-0, 4 KO), joined by the five-time Golden Gloves champion Nickenson Denis (2-0, 2 KO).




Perez Stops Mchunu in Eight

Lanar Perez remained undefeated with an eighth round stoppage over former world title challenger Thabiso Mchunu in a cruiserweight bout at the Montreal Casino in Montreal, Canada.

In round five, Mchunu landed a perfect right hook to the side of the head that put Perez on the canvas.

Perez got even in round six, as he landed a hard right uppercut and put Mchuniu down. In round eight, Perez landed a straight right that Put Mchunu down. Mchunu ended the fight with three hard rights that put Mchunu down again and the fight was stopped at 1:12.

Perez, 198.6 lbs of France is 17-0 with 15 knockouts. Mchunu, 199.7 lbs of Cab Ridge, SA is 25-9.

Moreno Fandero won a 10-round unanimous decision over Stephane Fondjo in a super middleweight bout.

In round two, Fendero dropped Fondjo with a perfect counter left.

Fandero, 166.9 lbs of Montreal won by scores of 99-90 twice and 97-92 and is now 16-0. Fondjo, 167.9 lbs of Montreal is 15-3-1.

Jhon Orobio remained undefeated with a fourth round stoppage over Antonio Moran in a 10-round super lightweight bout.

In round four, Orobio dropped Moran with a big right hand and the fight was stopped upon Moron getting to his feet at 1:27.

Orobio, 139.6 lbs of Montreal is 19-0 with 17 knockouts. Moran, 140 lbs of Mexico City is 31-9-1.

Wyatt Sanford stopped Constin Ion in round two of the six-round lightweight bout.

In round two, Sanford landed a huge left that set off a barrage of head shots that eventually led to a knockdown. Sanford was all over Ion and landed unanswered blows on the now-bloody Ion and the fight was stopped at 1:37.

Sanford, 136 1/2 lbs of Nova Scotia is 8-0 with four knockouts. Ion, 137 lbs of Marabella, SPA is 11-6-2.

Keven Beausejour stopped Leonel Silva Salas in the opening round of their four-round super middleweight bout.

In round one, Beausejour dropped Salas with a hard six-punch combination. Beausejour dropped Salas again with a hard left hook to the body and the fight was over at 2:57.

Beausejour, 171.2 lbs of Montreal is 4-0 with four knockouts. Salas, 171.1 lbs of Aguascalientes, MEX is 1-1.

Nickenson Denis stopped Jaheem Estwick in round two of their four-round super middleweight bout.

In round two, Denis dropped Estwick with a right to the body. Later in the round, a straight right hand put Estwick down and the fight was stopped at 1:13.

Denis, 169 lbs of Montreal is 2-0 with two knockouts. Estwick, 164 1/2 lbs od Bridgeton, CAN is 1-3.

Victor Tremblay stopped Kesney Joseph in round three of their four-round featherweight bout.

In round one, Joseph had swelling under his right eye.

In round three Tremblay hurt Joseph and landed a big flurry in the ropes that was scored a knockdown. Tremblay continued the domination and the fight was stopped at 2:10.

Tremblay, 127.7 lbs of Quebec, CAN is 4-0 with four knockouts. Joseph, 126,4 lbs of Maignot, CAN is 1-2.




Lenar Perez to Face Former Two-Time World Title Challenger Thabiso Mchunu, with Fendero-Fondjo as Co-Feature on September 3 in Montreal!

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). 




Top-3 Cruiserweight Contender Lenar Perez Joins Eye of the Tiger!

MONTRÉAL, November 3, 2025 — Continuing its mission to build one of the most formidable stable on the global stage, Montreal-based promoter Eye of the Tiger is proud to announce the signing of top-3 ranked cruiserweight contender and powerful Cuban boxer Lenar Perez.

“Lenar Perez is an exceptionally talented boxer, and his place in the world’s top three of the cruiserweight division already proves it. He had dozens of offers on the table but chose us to guide his rise — which clearly shows that we’ve reached the level we aimed for: to compete with the best promoters on the planet,” said EOTTM president Camille Estephan.

“Joining Eye of the Tiger isn’t just signing a contract — it’s embracing a philosophy. Their boxers train with discipline, determination, and an unrelenting hunger for victory — values that define me completely. I know where I’m headed. My goal is clear: to become world champion. And with Eye of the Tiger by my side, I’m confident I’ll get there,” said 27-year-old fighter Lenar Perez.

A proud native of Holguín, Cuba, Lenar Perez (15-0, 14 KOs) is already well established in the professional ranks. Ranked 3rd in the world by the WBA and 14th by the IBF, he is also among the top 1.5% of the more than 1,500 active cruiserweights (200 lbs) listed on BoxRec. Having already fought in Russia, Georgia, Uzbekistan, France, Azerbaijan, and Bosnia, Perez is now ready to showcase his talent in North America — and particularly in Quebec — to take his career to the next level.

“We’ve already built a solid relationship with EOTTM through Albert Ramirez, and we know firsthand about their professionalism and integrity. Lenar is one of the most promising Cuban boxers of his generation — powerful, intelligent, and fully committed. This partnership will give him the perfect platform to climb step by step to the very top of world boxing,” said Lenar Perez’s manager, Karim Bouzidi.

Further details — including information about Lenar Perez’s first fight under the Eye of the Tiger banner — will be announced in the coming weeks.