THE WORLD DOMINATION OF CHRISTIAN MBILLI AND ARSLANBEK MAKHMUDOV STARTS
IN SHAWINIGAN ON MAY 25
Shawinigan, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 — On May 25th, the global contender and new recruit of Top Rank, Christian “Solid” Mbilli, will attempt to continue his worldwide conquest at the Gervais Auto Center in Shawinigan. Facing him, the powerful British puncher Mark “Kid Dynamite” Heffron will try to slow down the ascent of the Montrealer by venturing into enemy territory to snatch his WBA International and WBC Continental Americas titles. In the co-main event, the man known as the “Lion,” Arslanbek Makhmudov, will risk a return to the arena against the dangerous oceanic giant who defeated him in the amateur ranks, Junior Fa.
This internationally significant event will be presented by the Quebec promoter Eye of the Tiger, in collaboration with the Cataractes and the City of Shawinigan, and will be broadcast live on the Punching Grace and ESPN+ networks starting at 7:00 PM.
“It’s always a source of pride to bring major fights to Mauricie, but this time, I can undoubtedly say we’re reaching another level. These are highly risky international fights we’ll present on May 25th, where there will be no room for error. But, with Mbilli and Arslanbek, we aim for the top, so we must be ready to face real challenges,” says the president of Eye of the Tiger, Camille Estephan.
At the heart of this highly anticipated evening, Christian Mbilli (26-0, 22 KOs) hopes to force his competitors in the top 10 worldwide to face him by making more noise within the super-middleweight division. That’s what he does every fight; with his stunning knockout of former #1 light heavyweight contender Nadjib Mohammedi, his epic 8th round against Ecuadorian puncher Carlos Góngora, and most recently, his destruction of Australian world contender Rohan Murdock. Achieved in front of over 10,000 spectators and several hundred thousand American listeners, this latest victory has put Mbilli in the spotlight in the super-middleweight division and throughout the southern border. Having impressed Top Rank and the United States, Mbilli is now heading towards a new conquest against Heffron.
“With Heffron, Christian is completely heading towards another style of opponent, and this fits very well into his learning process. After making a name for himself in the United States and Australia, it’s time for Christian to show the English what he can do,” says Marc Ramsay, coach and director of development at EOTTM.
“No matter where he comes from and who he is, my opponent will have to arrive ready because on May 25th, I will once again demonstrate why I belong with the elite of the super-middleweights. Mark Heffron is just another boxer on my path. I respect him, but I won’t be gentle with him, just like with the others. I am convinced that we will deliver quite a fight in Shawinigan, but victory is the only option for me,” says Christian Mbilli.
Mark Heffron (30-3-1, 24 KOs) will thus cross the Atlantic bringing with him a striking force earning him an 80% knockout ratio. Beyond his powerful rear hand, the orthodox boxer has excellent mobility and a style that can pose problems for the current #2 WBC and WBA, #3 IBF, #4 WBO, and #2 of the prestigious Ring Magazine. All the ingredients are there for an exciting fight, as promised by the former Commonwealth champion himself.
“I am incredibly excited to be coming over to Canada to box Christian Mbilli. I have followed Christian’s career and always thought we would end up boxing each other. We are both two of the most exciting super middleweights out there, so this will be an excellent fight that the fans will love. I am very confident of winning this fight. I wouldn’t be traveling all the way to Canada if I wasn’t sure of the win.” Heffron says without hesitation.
A few months after his first career loss and a double hand fracture, Arslanbek Makhmudov (18-1, 17 KOs) will step back into the ring in Shawinigan to restart his conquest of the heavyweight division. After such a defeat, but especially such an injury, many would have first opted for a tune-up fight, but not the “Lion.” With his hand fully healed, he is determined to prove that it was this injury that caused his loss and therefore, that no heavyweight in the world can defeat him when he is healthy. To send a message to the entire heavyweight division, he will attempt to avenge an old defeat against New Zealander Junior Fa (20-3, 11 KOs).
Makhmudov is thus ready to risk everything upon his return to reconquer the top of the world rankings, where he is currently ranked 10th and 13th by the IBF and WBC.
“Honestly, I am happy. It’s good work on the part of my team to already secure a new big fight, and especially a fight that will be excellent. I’ve already faced him in a very close fight that he won when we were amateurs, so I am more than determined to avenge that defeat,” says Makhmudov.
Junior Fa (20-3, 11 KOs) has also fought on the boxing card presented across the globe, in Riyadh, last December. In that duel, he faced Frank Sanchez for the WBC Continental Americas titles and the WBO title in the heavyweight division. With over 100 rounds of experience in 23 fights and a size just as imposing as that of the “Lion,” Fa has what it takes to compete with the Montreal adoptee. He is determined to replicate the feat and beat Makhmudov again. His track record has proven itself, having fought elite athletes such as Joseph Parker with whom he went through the 12 rounds of a highly competitive fight.
This larger-than-life event will thus crown a 6th presence in 6 years for EOTTM in Mauricie, all made possible through a strong collaboration with the organization of the Shawinigan Cataractes. Each time, it’s an opportunity to shine the spotlight on the sport throughout the province and allow boxing fans to witness world-class cards, as emphasized by Roger Lavergne, president of the Cataractes.
“It is a privilege to once again team up with Eye of The Tiger to bring an internationally significant event to Mauricie. Our great collaboration established since 2018 has offered several great boxing nights, and the one on May 25th promises to be just as exciting. It will allow us to cement Shawinigan’s place as a premier destination in North America for prestigious galas.”
“What a pride for our city to be associated with an event that will resonate across the globe. The Gervais Auto Center and the organization of the Cataractes have proven themselves in terms of event organization. By adding Eye of the Tiger, there is no doubt that this evening will be a success,” adds Shawinigan Mayor Michel Angers.
