Harley-David O’Reilly, the first Gatineau resident to step into the ring at the Casino du Lac-Leamy on Thursday, began – and ended – his professional career with a bang by serving a hard-hitting knockout. to Hubert Poulin.
Against the 3L hockey player from Rivière-du-Loup, in the North American Hockey League (LNAH), O’Reilly (1-0, 1 KO) demonstrated the extent of his talent that enabled him to become Canadian champion to become 81 kg in 2017 and a bronze medalist the following year at the Commonwealth Games before being held back by injuries. He was just in a class by himself.
Sometimes arrogant, he effortlessly dodged the hits of Poulin (2-1-1), whom he sent into dreamland in the first round. It took him a few minutes to regain his senses and he had to be transported to the hospital.
“That was my first and last fight. I have dedicated my whole life to this sport. I gave everything I had to give. I had to do it, I always dreamed of boxing among professionals.
A first knockout for Guerrero
Christophe Guerrero had won his first four fights by decision. The Eye of the Tiger Management (EOTTM) protégé demonstrated at this gala that he needed just a little more time in the ring to finish off his opponent.
In his very first fight, scheduled for six rounds, he completely dominated (7-5-2, 1 KO) Mexican Julian Mendo Salmoran to sign his first KO. The referee had no choice but to interrupt the duel in the fifth round, Salmoran could not answer.
Guerrero (5-0, 1st knockout) was of course very happy with the result. “I was in tears. For this knockout I have worked very hard. I’ve shown that I can do it. […] I needed one more round [avoir un K.-O.]. Let it roll now!”
Draw for Jean Gardy
Jean-Gardy François (3-0-1, 2 KOs) opened the evening in front of the slowly filling stands. The Montrealer faced an undefeated Mexican in Alfredo Jimenez Espino (5-0-1, 1 KO) and had to settle for a draw. He suffered a cut.
Neither his trainer Vincent Auclair nor his promoter Camille Estephan, who had hinted at a contract for the 31-year-old boxer, need worry.
“I don’t see it as a setback,” Auclair said. Jean-Gardy has always fought with good boxers. With Jean, we chose this path because he is older. Its development must be faster.
“It was a hard fought battle,” said Antonin Décarie, General Manager of Eye of the Tiger Management (EOTTM). We appreciate it, we’ll see what happens next.
In summary:
Luis Santana (7-0, 2 KOs) was supposed to take on Juan Perez Vazquez (16-5-1, 3 KOs) but the Mexican showed up in Quebec at…35lbs. The fight was stopped.
“It’s completely ridiculous. He should have told us before he left. Why come? That’s stupid,” says Décarie, who wants to find a way to avoid such situations in the future. Steve Claggett, Alexandre Gaumont and Junior Ulysse were also expected to fight by the end of the evening.