Kim Clavel triumphed over Anabel Ortiz by unanimous decision, securing the vacant WBC International and IBF Intercontinental strawweight titles. Clavel, now 23-2, faced challenges against the experienced Ortiz but adapted her strategy after a tough start. The event’s undercard was disappointing, with several fights ending quickly and three cancellations, leading to frustration among fans. Uncertainties regarding future events loom due to contractual disputes involving key fighters and their promoters.
Kim Clavel’s Victory Over Anabel Ortiz
In a thrilling bout, Kim Clavel viewed her match against Anabel Ortiz as a pivotal moment leading to a potential world championship opportunity. Clavel (23-2, 3 K.O.) emerged victorious against the experienced Mexican fighter (34-8, 4 K.O.) by unanimous decision, with judges scoring the fight 96-94, 98-92, and 98-92. This win earned Clavel the vacant WBC International and IBF Intercontinental strawweight titles in the 105 lb category. Reflecting on her performance, Clavel remarked, “It was more complicated than I thought, but we have the victory and that’s what matters.” She acknowledged the mental challenges posed by Ortiz, stating, “She made me think a lot; she has a lot of experience and my utmost respect.”
This bout marked Clavel’s first venture into the strawweight division, having previously fought at 108 lb throughout her career. Facing a former WBC champion (2009-2011) and WBA champion (2013-2021) like Ortiz was no easy task. The fight pushed Clavel to adapt her strategy, as she navigated through Ortiz’s aggressive style, which Yvon Michel described as “capable of fighting dirty.” Clavel, known for her analytical fighting style, had to dig deep after a challenging start where Ortiz landed significant punches. “Her speed surprised me; it took me a little time to adjust. I had to put my little ‘cute’ style aside and walk towards her,” she said. As the fight progressed, Clavel managed to find her rhythm from the third round onward.
Event Highlights and Underwhelming Undercard
While Clavel’s fight delivered excitement, the undercard left fans wanting more, as it was trimmed by three fights leading up to the event. Two of those bouts ended in mere seconds, with one fight concluding before the second round. In total, boxing enthusiasts witnessed only 267 seconds (4 min 27 s) of action before Clavel took the ring, making it a costly experience per second for ticket holders.
The evening kicked off with a bang when Montreal’s Ayoub Maanni (3-0, 3 K.O.) sent Argentine fighter Maximilo Ledesma (2-2, 2 K.O.) to the canvas three times in under a minute. Maanni’s knockout came at 1:53 of the first round, leaving Ledesma momentarily unconscious. Following that, Theo Owusu (7-0-1, 4 K.O.) from Pierrefonds quickly finished his match against Joel Manriquez (6-7, 0 K.O.) in the super lightweight (142 lb) category, ending the fight at 1:55 into the second round. The semi-final bout was no better, with Omar Alieh (2-0, 2 K.O.) dropping Hungarian fighter Karoly Botos (2-3, 2 K.O.) with a liver shot just 39 seconds into the match.
Unforeseen circumstances led to the cancellation of three fights, with Quebecer Victor Tremblay sidelined due to a training injury, while Loïck Lahaie’s opponent failed to appear. Additionally, Kirill Bazhenov’s opponent missed weight by an astonishing 14 pounds, violating the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux rules.
As for the future of the gala promoted by GYM at the Casino du Lac-Leamy, uncertainty loomed due to contractual disputes involving Yvon Michel’s organization and New Era’s Yan Pellerin, who represents headliners Alexis Barrière and Derek Pomerleau. Pellerin claims rights over Barrière, while Pomerleau remains under contract with New Era until 2026. He has sought a legal injunction to restrict both fighters from competing in Gatineau, with a ruling expected from Judge Shaun E. Finn on Friday morning.