Fonfara Faces a Major Challenge. Experts Point to the Key to Victory

– Stevenson is particularly dangerous at the start of a fight. Andrzej must remember to defend himself, says Andrzej Gmitruk. – Fonfara will have to show more than he has so far, assesses Fiodor Łapin.

Andrzej Gmitruk
former trainer of Tomasz Adamek, WBC light heavyweight (2005–2007) and cruiserweight (2008–2009) world champion
The most important thing is to survive the early rounds
In my opinion, Sergey Kovalev is currently the best light heavyweight in the world. That does not change the fact that Andrzej Fonfara’s fight with Adonis Stevenson will be a huge challenge for the Pole. The Canadian is impressive with his dynamism. He boxes aggressively and unpredictably. He reads his opponent’s intentions well and can also surprise him with an unexpected punch. Chad Dawson found that out when Stevenson knocked him out with a powerful left hook in the very first round.

Stevenson is especially dangerous in the early stages of a fight. To avoid trouble, Andrzej must be very good defensively. After his own attacks, he cannot leave openings, because Adonis has proved that he can counter an exposed opponent. If Fonfara chooses the right tactics and protects himself with a tight guard, the second half of the fight could be easier for him.

Andrzej is known for his persistence. He also grows in confidence with every round. Recently, we have not had many opportunities to assess how Stevenson copes in the later stages of a fight. However, most hard-hitting fighters lose some of their dynamism and effectiveness over time. Perhaps the same will happen to the Canadian this time.

Fiodor Łapin
trainer of current WBC cruiserweight world champion Krzysztof Włodarczyk
He needs to fight with more freedom
Adonis Stevenson and Sergey Kovalev are currently the two best light heavyweights. If I had to identify the more difficult opponent for Andrzej Fonfara, I would choose the Canadian. The WBC champion fights from a southpaw stance, is dynamic and punches hard. In his recent appearances, he has also confirmed his high class.

He could be a very uncomfortable opponent for Andrzej. It is more difficult to trouble a southpaw with a left jab, and that punch often allows a fighter to impose his own terms on an opponent. If Fonfara is thinking about victory, he must show more than he has so far.

Gabriel Campillo, whom the Pole defeated last year, was also a southpaw. It is difficult, however, to draw any specific conclusions from that fight, because Andrzej did not perform at his best. He was tense, seemed to go through the motions, and lacked adequate defense. It was good that he eventually landed a punch on his opponent. His powerful right hand, which he can always rely on, did not let him down either.

If Fonfara fights Stevenson in the same way, success will be very difficult. What should he improve? His footwork, upper-body balance, and the delivery of combinations without unnecessary tension. Before his last appearance, I noticed that he had already worked on the latter element. Hopefully, he will continue in that direction.

Przemysław Osiak, przegladsportowy.pl