Quebec’s Jean Pascal had promised fireworks in his first fight in Belle province since 2018, but instead lost unanimously on points to Germany’s Michael Eifert at Place Bell on Thursday.
Pascal (36-7-1, 20 KOs) missed his chance to become a mandatory nominee for International Boxing Federation (IBF) Light Heavyweight Champion Montrealer Artur Beterbiev.
The judges gave cards of 118-110, 115-113 and 117-111 in favor of Eifert (12-1-0, 4 KOs).
This one had the upper hand in terms of volume and thanks to its excellent cardiovascular condition. While the Lavallois slashed at the target with devastating blows, his rival chained less powerful but more effective combinations.
For Pascal it is the first defeat since November 24, 2018. He then lost unanimously on points to Dmitrii Bivol.
Earlier in the evening, Quebec’s Mathieu Germain won the IBF Intercontinental welterweight belt. He prevailed against Ontarian Steven Wilcox by a unanimous verdict of the judges.