Billy C Boxing

Photo by: Bxstrs Promotions

Robert Guerrero III Secures Spectacular Victory with First Round Knockout in Tijuana Bout

GILROY, CA (April 22, 2024) – Undefeated super featherweight, Robert Guerrero III, son of former multi-division world champion, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, captivated the crowd at the Auditorio Municipal de Tijuana this past Friday with a stunning victory in his second professional fight. Guerrero III (2-0, 1 KO) faced off against Cristian Velazquez of Tijuana, MX, in a scheduled 4-round bout. The fight, promoted by Bxstrs Promotions, aired live on ESPN Deportes / “ESPN Knockout”.

Guerrero III, age 17, sealed the win with a first-round knockout, delivering a powerful left hook-straight right combo to the body of Velazquez that sent him to the canvas. The referee promptly stopped the bout, solidifying Guerrero III’s dominance in the ring.

“Scoring my first knockout of my career feels incredible,” said Guerrero who by the nickname “El Pistolero”. “I put in a lot of hard work and dedication into my training, and this knockout victory is a moment I’ll never forget.”

Looking ahead, Guerrero III is eager to maintain his momentum and stay active in the boxing world throughout the rest of the year. “I’m already planning my next steps to get back in the ring as soon as possible. I want to stay busy, keep improving, and show the world what I’m capable of. This is just the beginning for me, and I’m ready to make my mark.”

“I very pleased with my son’s performance over the weekend,” said Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero. “He showed he has the power to take out a fighter, and it’s clear that he has a bright future ahead of him in the world of boxing. As his father and mentor, I’ll continue to support him every step of the way.”

OSLEYS IGLESIAS TO DEFEND HIS WORLD TITLE ON JUNE 6 AGAINST EVGENY SHVEDENKO

Montreal, Wednesday, April 17, 2024 — While the excitement surrounding the June 6 gala pitting Montrealers Steven ‘Bang Bang’ Butler against Patrice ‘Vicious’ Volny for the WBC Francophone title was already at its peak, Eye of the Tiger is raising the stakes by adding a world championship fight to the evening. After dazzling Quebec boxing fans last March, EOTTM’s Cuban pride, Osleys Iglesias, will make a comeback at the Cabaret du Casino de Montreal to defend his IBO world title against Russian Evgeny Shvedenko in a scheduled 12-round duel presented simultaneously on the Punching Grace and ESPN+ networks.

Osleys Iglesias’s performance (10-0, 9 KOs) in his debut under the Tiger’s banner on March 7th did not go unnoticed among the super-middleweights. It took him less than a round to dispose of the tough Argentine brawler Marcelo Coceres, who had given trouble to some of the biggest names in the division, including Diego Pacheco, Billy Joe Saunders, and Edgar Berlanga, whom he had knocked down. Currently ranked 9th in the world by the WBC and the prestigious Ring Magazine, ‘El Tornado’ aims to continue his rampage on June 6th to climb to the top of the world rankings.

In line with the stakes, the challenge will rise a notch against Evgeny Shvedenko (16-1-1, 7 KOs), who aims to cause the same surprise as in his last outing against world contender Pavel Silyagin, with whom he had a draw. He will also seek revenge against the Cuban boxing school after suffering his only career defeat against William Scull in 2022, in a competitive IBF elimination bout.

Arthur Biyarslanov (14-0, 12 KOs), Leïla Beaudoin (11-1, 1 KO), Luis Santana (11-0, 5 KOs), and Jhon Orobio (7-0, 7 KOs) will also be in action on what promises to be an electrifying evening.

THREE ACTION-PACKED TITLE SHOWDOWNS HIGHLIGHT CANELO VS. MUNGUIA PPV UNDERCARD

Top Welterweight Mario Barrios Defends 147-Pound Title Against Hard-Hitting Fabian Maidana in Co-Main Event

All-Action Brandon Figueroa Puts Featherweight Title on the Line Against Former Champion Jessie Magdaleno

Undefeated WBA Welterweight Champion Eimantas Stanionis Duels Two-Time Olympian Gabriel Maestre

LAS VEGAS – April 9, 2024 – Three high-stakes matchups featuring some of the sport’s most exciting fighters will round out a stacked pay-per-view lineup as Canelo Promotions presents a Cinco de Mayo weekend blockbuster featuring pound-for-pound great Canelo Álvarez putting his undisputed super middleweight world title on the line against unbeaten all-action former world champion Jaime Munguía headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, May 4 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In the co-main event, former world champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios will defend his Interim WBC Welterweight Title against Argentine power-puncher Fabian “TNT” Maidana, while hard-hitting former world champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa puts his Interim WBC Featherweight Title on the line against former world champion Jessie Magdaleno in pay-per-view action. Kicking off the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT is undefeated WBA Welterweight Champion Eimantas Stanionis battling the unbeaten two-time Olympian Gabriel Maestre.

**MARIO BARRIOS VS. FABIAN MAIDANA**
The 12-round co-main event will see Mario “El Azteca” Barrios make the first defense of his Interim WBC Welterweight Title against Argentina’s Fabian “TNT” Maidana, the younger brother of legendary action fighter Marcos who will look to add to his family legacy in his first world title opportunity.

A former world champion at 140-pounds, Barrios (28-2, 18 KOs) earned a career-best victory in his last outing and stamped his place as a top 147-pounder by dropping Yordenis Ugas twice last September on his way to a unanimous decision. The 28-year-old hails from San Antonio, Texas and now trains in Las Vegas under the guidance of top trainer Bob Santos. He won a 140-pound world championship in September 2019, using his aggressive style to edge out Batyr Akhmedov and earn a unanimous decision. Barrios lost the super lightweight title in another action packed, highly competitive bout, as he was defeated by three-division and five-time world champion Gervonta Davis in June 2021.

“I’m thrilled to be back in the ring for the co-main event of the biggest Mexican fight in history and during Cinco de Mayo weekend,” said Barrios. “Fabian Maidana is a tough warrior like me, so the fans are definitely in for an exciting fight. Defending my title is priority number one, and I’m going to do it with intelligence and bad intentions. Everyone knows that when I step into the ring, I leave it all in there. This will be no different. On May 4, the fans can expect a Mexico vs. Argentina war.”

The 31-year-old Maidana (22-2, 16 KOs) enters this fight on a four-bout winning streak, including three 2023 triumphs highlighted by a unanimous decision victory over Israel Lopez in November. A native of Margarita, Santa Fe, Argentina, Maidana hopes to follow in the footsteps of his older brother and former two-division champion Marcos. He’s fought professionally since 2014, following up a strong amateur career by winning his first 16 pro fights. He will return to fight stateside for the first time since 2019, after spending much of his early career fighting in the U.S., including a 2018 knockout of former title challenger Andrey Klimov.

“I’m very happy to be fighting on this card against a great champion like Mario Barrios,” said Maidana. “We come to win and give our best to the mecca of boxing, Las Vegas. The world knows my brother beat Floyd Mayweather on Cinco de Mayo, and I plan to do the same against Barrios. I’m fighting for my people in Argentina, and I’m coming to win.”

**BRANDON FIGUEROA VS. JESSIE MAGDALENO**
The pay-per-view lineup will also feature the return of former world champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa as he defends his Interim WBC Featherweight Title in a 12-round bout against the former 122-pound world champion Jessie Magdaleno.

The 27-year-old Figueroa (24-1-1, 18 KOs) most recently picked up his interim title in his last bout, beating former world champion Mark Magsayo via unanimous decision in a Fight of the Year candidate in March 2023. It was his second fight since a 2021 Fight of the Year against Stephen Fulton Jr., which some observers thought ended in controversy after the majority decision loss for Figueroa. A native of Weslaco, Texas, Figueroa’s relentless pressure and youthful enthusiasm helped him become the first person to defeat former division champion Luis Nery in their championship clash prior to the Fulton fight. Figueroa added to his family’s legacy by capturing the WBC 122-pound world title against Nery, joining his brother Omar Figueroa Jr., who previously held the WBC Lightweight World Championship.

“I’ve been staying ready, just patiently waiting for my opportunity, and now I can’t wait to get back in the ring on May 4,” said Figueroa. “Magdaleno is a great fighter and he’s a former world champion for a reason. I know I have to be at my best. I’m just hungry to get back into the ring and keep boxing exciting with my fights and my fighting style.”

A Las Vegas-native, Magdaleno (29-2, 18 KOs) will look to rebound from a decision defeat in his last fight against current featherweight titlist Raymond Ford. Prior to the defeat, Magdaleno had put together four-straight victories since moving up to featherweight in 2019. The 32-year-old became a world champion in 2016 with a dominant unanimous decision victory over future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire, and successfully defended the title with a 2017 knockout of Adeilson Dos Santos. Magdaleno also comes from a boxing family, as his older brother Diego was a longtime contender, while his younger brother Marco also fought professionally.

“This fight is everything for me,” said Magdaleno. “There are people who think I’m an underdog against Figueroa. But I’d remind those people of one thing…I was an underdog when I became world champion for the first time, and I’m ready to do it again. On May 4 you will hear ‘and the new!’”

**EIMANTAS STANIONIS VS. GABRIEL MAESTRE**
A come-forward technician, the undefeated Eimantas Stanionis will make the first defense of his WBA Welterweight Title when he takes on fellow unbeaten Gabriel Maestre in a 12-round showdown that opens up the pay-per-view card.

Representing his native Kaunas, Lithuania, Stanionis (14-0, 9 KOs) has made the most of the promise he showed when turning pro after fighting for his country at the 2016 Olympic games. The 29-year-old captured his interim belt in his most recent outing, defeating the previously unbeaten Radzhab Butaev via a hard-fought decision in April 2022. Stanionis blasted through a slew of veteran welterweights on his way up the ladder, including a knockout of Justin DeLoach and a 12-round unanimous decision over Thomas Dulorme.

“I’m so excited to get back in the ring, I feel like a kid in a candy store who gets to choose any kind of candy he wants,” said Stanionis. “This is especially exciting for me because I am a big fan of Canelo Álvarez. I love watching his fights and as a kid, I dreamed of fighting on Cinco de Mayo in front of all those great Mexican fans. It motivates me even more to give them a great fight. I know that Gabriel Maestre is tough and has power. We fought in the amateurs and I know it’s a great matchup of styles. I’m going to bring the action and so will he. You can definitely expect fireworks on May 4.”

A two-time Olympian for his home country of Venezuela, Maestre (6-0-1, 5 KOs) delivered a dominant display last August as he blasted out the then-unbeaten rising prospect Travon Marshall in round two. His pro career has followed an extensive amateur run that included victories over Brian Castano, Carlos Adames, Alexander Besputin, Oscar Molina and Brian Ceballo. He made his U.S. debut with a controversial decision victory over Mykal Fox in August 2021 before fighting fellow unbeaten Taras Shelestyuk to a draw in March 2022 and defeating former two-division champion Devon Alexander in April 2023.

“I’ve wanted to fight Stanionis for years and get revenge from our amateur match,” said Maestre. “It was a tough close fight and I’m ready to face him again for another war. We are ready for a great fight and to leave the ring with my hand raised. May 4 will be a historic day for me and Venezuela.”

Montreal, Monday April 8, 2024 — Erik Bazinyan, who has been suffering from sinusitis for a few days, Eye of the Tiger has decided to postpone its gala scheduled for April 11, where his protégé was supposed to face Shakeel Phinn for the NABF and WBA International super-middleweight titles, to Thursday, May 2 at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal.

“We waited a few days before making the decision, hoping that his antibiotics would help him recover, but unfortunately, that’s not the case, and he’s still too unwell,” said EOTTM general manager Antonin Décarie. “However, we are relieved to be able to offer boxing fans this long-awaited fight within a reasonable timeframe,” he added.

The full card for the May 2 event, which will be broadcast live on Punching Grace, TVA Sports, and ESPN+, will be announced later.

Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions to Return to Turning Stone for International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend – Headline Event is a World Championship Fight Between Undefeated Oscar Collazo and Gerardo Zapata, Broadcast on DAZN

Oneida Indian Nation Homelands (April 5, 2024) –Turning Stone Resort Casino announced today Oscar De La Hoya and his Golden Boy Promotions will return to Upstate New York during Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend to host an epic World Championship fight on Friday, June 7. The card is headlined by a 12-round battle between undefeated Oscar Collazo (9-0; 7 KOs) and Gerardo Zapata (14-1-1), as they compete for the WBO Minimumweight World Title. The fight will be broadcast around the world on DAZN.

Boxing’s biggest event of the year, Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, will be held from June 6 – 9, 2024, with non-stop events hosted in both Madison and Oneida Counties. The iconic weekend attracts thousands of die-hard boxing fans, Hall of Famers, boxing legends and media to Upstate New York every year.

“Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend brings thousands of boxing fans and boxing legends to Central New York every June, and this year once again we will be the center of the boxing universe,” said Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Turning Stone Enterprises CEO. “Between the boxing festivities as part of International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend and Oscar De La Hoya joining us for what will be an amazing night of boxing, our guests are guaranteed to have an unforgettable weekend.”

“With events spanning two counties, an incredible induction class, and boxing legends like Oscar De La Hoya traveling to Central New York for the occasion, this year’s Hall of Fame Induction Weekend is one fans will not want to miss,” said Edward Brophy, Boxing Hall of Fame Executive Director. “It is an honor to continue our partnership with the Oneida Indian Nation to host some of our events at Turning Stone.”

Induction Weekend in Central New York gives boxing fans from around the country an opportunity to meet and mingle with the biggest names in boxing. The Class of 2024 Hall of Fame inductees include:

● Ricky Hatton ● Michael Moorer ● Ivan Calderon ● Diego Corrales ● Jane Couch ● Ana Maria Torres

Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend: Schedule of Events at Turning Stone

The four-day weekend of non-stop boxing action and events feature several events hosted at Turning Stone Resort Casino.

Kickoff Event: Celebratory event to kick off Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend and welcome boxing fans and Hall of Famers to Central New York.

Friday, June 7: World Title Fight: Presented in partnership with Golden Boy Promotions and broadcast around the world on DAZN, the card features Oscar Collazo and Gerardo Zapata as they compete for the WBO Minimumweight World title. Additional details about the June 7th card will be released soon.

The undefeated Oscar Collazo said, “I feel honored to fight in New York where the boxing world has its eye and in a great week for Puerto Ricans, I will be in anticipation of the induction of Diego Corlares, Ricky Hatton and especially Ivan Calderon. It is an honor and I will continue working to one day be able to be together with great immortals like Miguel Cotto, Felix Trinidad and the great Muhammed Ali. I feel very good but we will make our third defense against Zapata, a good fighter who will bring out the best in me. Very well prepared as usual, focused on proving once again that we are the best in my category. We hope you meet at the Turning Stone, Verona. My fans from upstate New York and all my New York City come together for a great night”

For more information: www.TurningStone.com

Atlantic City Boxing is Back!

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (April 3, 2024) — Boxing Insider Promotions is bringing boxing back to the Boardwalk at the Tropicana Hotel/Casino in Atlantic City. The date is Saturday, May 11, and begins at 7:30 PM in the Showroom. This is the Atlantic City debut for the company, which has been promoting shows at the legendary Sony Hall in New York City.

Some of the participants include:

Junior featherweight JOHN LEONARDO (10-1-1, 4 KO’s) of Manalapan Township, NJ will be in the eight-round main event. Leonardo was a decorated amateur, winning three New York Metro championships and a New Jersey Golden Gloves title. The 23-year-old, nicknamed “Bodyshot,” last fought back in August, when he won an eight-round decision over Dominique Griffin.

Junior middleweight JUSTIN FIGUEROA (8-0, 6 KO’s) is a 2017 graduate of Holy Spirit High School in Atlantic City, where he excelled in football and wrestling. But he was also an experienced amateur boxer, who holds a win over 2022 National Golden Gloves champ Nasheed Smith. He just fought on March 30 with a six-round decision win over Christian Aguirre in San Antonio. The charismatic Figueroa, who spent quite a bit of time as a lifeguard with the Atlantic City Beach Patrol, dances “The Worm” across the ring after his victories.

Heavyweight prospect PRYCE TAYLOR (3-0, 2 KO’s) of Brooklyn has a big upside. He only began boxing in 2016, but just three years later he made it to the semifinals of the National Golden Gloves. He was also runner-up in the U.S. Championships in 2021 and 2022. Taylor, who is involved with the Team Combat League, was last seen in action at Sony Hall on March 7, winning a four-round decision over Antonio Torres. He’ll be in another four-rounder on May 11.

Middleweight JACOB SOLIS of New York (3-0, 3 KO’s), in a four-round fight, doubles as a trainer at Breadwinners Boxing in Manhattan. He is a huge fan favorite, taking a lot of female followers with him, and made his pro debut at Sony Hall last December with a sensational third-round KO of Tevin Terrance.

Middleweight JUAN PIERRE VALENCIA makes his highly-anticipated pro debut in a four-rounder. A native of Ecuador who grew up in Spain, he now resides in Irvington, NJ. Valencia won the 2023 New Jersey Golden Gloves and then proceeded to reach the semifinals of the National Golden Gloves. He’s quick, powerful and a great prospect.

And stay tuned for future announcements.

Boxing has not been seen at the Tropicana for seven years, so this is special for Atlantic City native Larry Goldberg (CEO of Boxing Insider Promotions), who is the most active promoter in New York City. He’s bringing his exciting series home.

ALBERT RAMIREZ VS. ADAM DEINES; A WORLD-CLASS BOUT ADDED TO THE MAY 25TH CARD

Montreal, Wednesday, April 3, 2024 — Eye of the Tiger is proud to announce the addition of a significant, and more importantly, globally impactful bout to its La Conquête gala, scheduled for May 25th. Venezuelan protege Albert Ramirez, currently ranked 4th globally by the WBO in the 175 lb category, will square off against WBO’s #5 contender, Germany’s Adam Deines. Set for 10 rounds, the duel will be included in the lineup at the Centre Gervais Auto in Shawinigan, which will also showcase Christian Mbilli versus Mark Heffron for the WBC Continental Americas super-middleweight title, as well as Arslanbek Makhmudov against Junior Fa.

“We’ve worked tirelessly to arrange this fight as it will have a significant impact on the light heavyweight division,” exclaimed EOTTM President, Camille Estephan. “The winner should manage to position themselves at either the 1st or 2nd global rank and thus, be in an excellent position to become the mandatory challenger for the reigning champion. Timing is also crucial as it will be presented concurrently with the unification fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol scheduled for June 1st in Riyadh, which will significantly shake up the division,” he added.

This will be the second fight in Quebec for Albert Ramirez (18-0, 15 KOs), who is also ranked 2nd globally by the WBA, 5th by the WBC, and 8th by the IBF. On January 25th, his aggressiveness and explosiveness prevailed over high-level technician and former EOTTM protege, Artur Ziyatdinov. Well aware that a victory could significantly bring him closer to a world championship fight, Ramirez will strive to elevate his game against the German title contender.

On the other hand, Adam Deines (23-2-1, 14 KOs) is no stranger to adversity. In 2021, the southpaw boxer traveled to Russia to face one of the most feared boxers in the sport, Artur Beterbiev. In a 10-round bout, Deines showcased both his courage and technical skills as he managed to win some exchanges. Climbing up the ranks to fight at the top once again, the European athlete has since won his last four fights, all before the limit.

The fact that such a significant elimination bout is neither the main event nor the co-main event of the evening speaks volumes about the depth of the card presented on May 25th in Mauricie. It’s worth noting that the main attraction of the evening will feature world contender Christian “Solid” Mbilli (26-0, 22 KOs) seeking new heights as he defends his WBC Continental Americas belt against the dangerous British puncher Mark “Kid Dynamite” Heffron (30-3-1, 24 KOs). In the co-main event, the “Lion” Arslanbek Makhmudov (18-1, 17 KOs) will venture back into the arena by immediately taking on the oceanic giant Junior Fa (20-3, 11 KOs), who had even defeated him in the amateur ranks.

Adopted Mauricians Wilkens Mathieu and Mehmet Unal will also be in action, as well as Montrealers Christopher Guerrero, Luis Santana, and Jhon Orobio, in addition to the highly anticipated return of Buckingham’s pride, Alexandre Gaumont.

Photo By: Lawrence Lustig/Boxxer
WARDLEY AND CLARKE’S EPIC HEAVYWEIGHT CLASH ATTRACTS MASSIVE TELEVISION AUDIENCE ON SKY SPORTS

LONDON, UK (April 3, 2024) – Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke’s epic heavyweight clash recorded a massive television audience on Sky Sports this Easter Sunday making it one of the platform’s highest rating boxing events in the past decade.

Billed as ‘Bad Blood’, the unbeaten heavyweight rivals could not be separated on the night as they put everything on the line in a thrilling twelve round contest that is already being described as one of the greatest British heavyweight fights of all time.

The BOXXER promoted event, live from London’s O2 Arena, attracted a peak audience of 746,000 for the main event with an average audience of 438,000 tuning in across the four-hour broadcast and a reach of over 1.7million.

These impressive figures make Wardley and Clarke’s battle for the British and Commonwealth Titles the fifth most watched boxing event on Sky Sports in the last 10 years behind only Eubank-Williams, Shields-Marshall, Khan-Vargas and Taylor-Catterall, and the biggest audience for a heavyweight fight.

Fans were treated to first-class shoulder programming from Sky Sports in the build up to the event including a tense face-off hosted by Johnny Nelson in ‘The Gloves Are Off’ and a look behind the scenes into each fighters’ training camp in ‘Behind The Ropes’.

Adding to the excitement on the night, a stacked undercard featured a series of mouth-watering clashes that saw Chris Kongo overcome welterweight rival Florian Marku, Viddal Riley retain his English Cruiserweight Title against Mikael Lawal, Ben Whittaker drop and dominate Leon Wilings, Callum Simspon score a showreel knockout win over Dulla Mbabe, and Alen Babic stop Steve Robinson.

Ben Shalom, BOXXER Founder and CEO, said: “What we witnessed on Sunday was one of the greatest British heavyweight fights of all time. At BOXXER we are committed to growing the sport to new audiences and giving our fighters the biggest possible platform to perform. The numbers are incredible. It shows the huge potential and appetite for boxing in the UK and Ireland. We’ve had an amazing start to the year and we look forward to delivering more massive nights with unmissable action in 2024.”

Rob Selmes, Sky Sports Director of Rights, said: “It was great to see such a thrilling fight for the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles, immense bravery from both fighters and huge numbers tuning in to watch. A compelling card was part of a fantastic weekend of live sport on Sky Sports, with millions of sports fans enjoying our coverage and being taken closer to all the action.”

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.