QUEBEC | We have no idea how much work goes into a boxing gala like the one taking place on Saturday at the Videotron Center.
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To enlighten us, Eye of the Tiger management opened the doors of the building to the Journal so we could see the different stages of production.
When we arrive on Thursday evening, the Vice President of EOTTM, Virginie Assaly, welcomes us in the tunnels hidden under the stands. Despite a virus that has been affecting her since the beginning of the week, she is on the wrong foot.
Photo agency QMI, PASCAL HUOT
First stop: the production offices, where Videotron Center employees help guests with the various technical details.
We quickly move inside the enclosure, where the icy surface is covered and where technicians are busy.
Photo agency QMI, PASCAL HUOT
A luxury
When we arrive we have finished setting up the ring. We now wrap the cables and pack them in small zippered cases. We will therefore see sponsors rather than steel cables.
Normally the construction of the room would have started the day before the gala, but this time the organization has more time.
“It is a luxury to have the space in advance because usually there are other events that do not allow it,” explains Virginie Assaly.
This is particularly interesting because Top Rank is visiting for the first time and needs to familiarize himself with the space. Even if the organization travels with its equipment, the work is entrusted to local technicians.
Photo agency QMI, PASCAL HUOT
Photo agency QMI, PASCAL HUOT
Big production
The gala will be broadcast in Canada, the USA and several other countries around the world, it is a major production.
“There are a lot of threads that need to be brought together to make sure everyone is talking to each other and understanding each other. “It is the challenge of delivering one of the most beautiful shows of the last 25 years,” explains Jean-Louis Langevin, TV supervisor at EOTTM. The visit continues and we go to the changing rooms, which are all in use. Almost all pugilists share their dressing room, but not Artur Beterbiev and Callum Smith, who each have their own room.
During their trip to the Maritimes, the Remparts graciously agreed to let Beterbiev use their dressing room.
Photo agency QMI, PASCAL HUOT
Photo agency QMI, PASCAL HUOT
A challenge
On an organizational level, EOTTM faced a major challenge with the storm that hit Quebec in the middle of the week.
“We knew there would be bad weather, but we had to deal with numerous flight cancellations. “Above all, we had to ensure that the boxers arrived on time for the weigh-in,” explains Assaly.
The mental burden of this coordination falls on the court of Claudia Diaz, operations manager, who also receives a call during our interview from a judge whose flight has just been canceled.
Photo agency QMI, PASCAL HUOT
“We need drivers to take everyone from Montreal to Quebec, we had to change the flight at the last minute. I give the foreign boxers their pocket money, I greet them, we accompany them to the grocery store so they can go shopping,” says the woman, who also acts as an interpreter because she speaks Spanish.
With the Top Rank team, she has to look after around a hundred people. And everyone is treated with the utmost care.
“Everyone received a gift package with Quebec products. We gave them maple syrup and St Viateur bagels, among other things.”
Photo agency QMI, PASCAL HUOT