The fans aren’t there for Jean Pascal’s first fight on Quebec soil since 2018.
Just over 2,000 admission tickets had found buyers three days before the gala presented at Place Bell. Calls to the fans abounded during Monday’s press conference with Pascal (36-6-1, 20 KOs) and his rival, Germany’s Michael Eifert (11-1-0, 4 KOs). . .
The 40-year-old pugilist, along with promoters Yvon Michel and Lou DiBella, were keen that this fight and gala was going to be spectacular. The President of GYM also took a lot of time in his speech to recall Pascal’s heroic deeds.
“It seems we’ve forgotten who Jean Pascal was and what kind of career he had,” said Yvon Michel before beginning his retrospective.
As humble as ever, Pascal went there with a metaphor to explain the lack of enthusiasm for the confrontation that would allow him to become the mandatory contender for the IBF light heavyweight belt.
“I’m a victim of my own success,” he said. Before Jean Pascal, there weren’t many five-star fights in Quebec. In my career I have given 10 five star fights. After [le site web spécialisé] BoxRec, my next fight will count as a two or three star fight.
“I’ve gotten amateurs used to filet mignon. Now that I’m offering them something less delicate, they might be more hesitant. However, I will put on the same type of performance as I normally do.
Pour in nostalgia
Not only Yvon Michel has decided to conjure up the past to appeal to amateurs. In fact, Pascal used the fact that his opponent is German to get Eric Lucas out of the mothball box.
“About 20 years ago, on April 5, 2003 to be precise, Quebec’s boxing history experienced a great injustice,” explained Pascal. For those who remember, Eric Lucas was defeated in Germany against the late Markus Beyer.
At the time, Quebec boxing actors cried foul after Beyer stole the WBC super middleweight world title from Lucas by winning by split decision.
“I remember the sadness I felt and I couldn’t believe that injustice,” Pascal continued. this fight [contre Eifert] is very important to me. I therefore invite sports fans and boxing fans to see my fight. Help me avenge this defeat and restore our image internationally and especially in Germany.”
Alongside the nostalgia, Pascal allowed himself to go there with a classic promotion: promise to send his opponent to the mat.
“This time there will be no split decision in favor of the German. I promise we’ll see the soles of his boots.”
Jean Pascal will have his license
Jean Pascal had to meet with the Régis des alcools, des course et des jeux (RACJ) on Monday morning, he still has not received a license allowing him to fight in Quebec.
Last Friday, Radio-Canada reported that the 40-year-old boxer was slow to meet the institution’s requirements. Since then he has answered all medical formalities of the RACJ, but the latter still wants to meet him to “secure the good reputation of the martial arts”.
The reason is said to be his failed doping test in 2021 and his arrest last November for allegedly driving a vehicle with walking disabilities. Pascal always protests his innocence in both of these cases.
“There will be no problem with his approval,” assured Yvon Michel. Judge Savard told us he would arrange for the license to be delivered ahead of this week’s weigh-in. Everything is OK!”