The year 2024 will be a success for boxing fans in Quebec with some galas that deserve our attention. A look at what we need to watch out for in the coming months.
The shock in Quebec
As mentioned, the year starts with a bang on January 13th with a very auspicious gala at the Videotron Center in Quebec. The team at Eye of the Tiger Management (EOTTM) have put together an enticing card, the main theme of which is a fight in which Artur Beterbiev will put his WBC, WBO and IBF light heavyweight world titles on the line against Callum Smith. Christian Mbili will also challenge his WBA International and WBC Continental Americas belts against Murdock. There will also be a third championship fight in which Jason Moloney will defend his bantamweight world title against Saul Sanchez.
Erik Bazinyan PHOTO PROVIDED BY VINCENT ÉTHIER / EYE OF THE TIGER MANAGEMENT
Bazinyan continues on his way
We only have to wait two weeks to have another interesting fight when Erik Bazinyan takes on Billi Facundo Godoy at the Montreal Casino. For the boxer, who has a perfect professional record of 31 wins, staying in shape is above all a battle. The Armenian-born player is still looking to climb the rankings, he is ranked No. 2 in the WBA, No. 3 in the WBC, No. 3 in the WBO and No. 4 in the IBF.
Yvon Michel Joël Lemay / QMI Agency
GYM needs to explain
Yvon Michel disturbed many people when he openly criticized official Benoit Roussel after Kim Clavel's defeat on October 7th. His statements and certain incidents that allegedly occurred on the sidelines of this defeat prompted the Régie des alcohols, des courses et des jeux, the president of the GYM group, to a hearing on February 5th, 7th, 8th and 9th “Sport” to preload[é] Pressure, threat[é] or violent[é] a representative of the Régie/Good reputation/Competent and honest practice/Public interest”.
Steven Butler TOMA ICZKOVITS
Butler has to shine
In a gala that was supposed to take place in Victoriaville and ended up moving to the Montreal Casino, Steven Butler will return to the ring for the second time in a few months when he takes on Ontario's Steve Rolls on March 7. It's a fight that's part of a process of reclaiming “Bang Bang.” He is ranked number one in Canada at 160 pounds, while Rolls is number two.
Dmitry Bivol AFP
The desire
There are struggles that observers dream about and that we understand. A total unification duel between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol would be pure sweetness. The first holds the WBC, WBO and IBF light heavyweight world titles, while the second holds the WBA title. This is a fight that would excite the crowds as Beterbiev has won all 19 of his professional fights by knockout. while Bivol also boasts a perfect record of 21 wins, including 11 by knockout.