“It’s 20 minutes that will change the rest of my life. And despite the challenge that awaits him on Friday, Kim Clavel displayed the zenitude of a Buddhist monk on Wednesday.
Posted at 3:50 p.m.
“I feel at peace,” she assured the media after the press conference organized by the Yvon Michel Group (GYM) at the Casino de Montréal.
“I will take every minute to win them. To give everything I have. To have no regrets. »
It’s that these 10 rounds of world championship fight against Yesenia Gómez, Kim Clavel visualizes them for a long time, “and in so many different ways”. The three postponements since December obviously have something to do with it.
“There is nothing that happens for nothing in life. These seven more months, I used it […] to work, rehearse, practice specific things. Danielle [Bouchard, son entraîneuse] made me see all the colors. »
The Quebec boxer says she is “ready for any eventuality”.
” I feel good. I am happy to box. I earn my living in the most beautiful sport in the world, which is boxing. Friday is my time. My day. My family will be there. My friends will be there. »
As well as his former colleagues at the Joliette hospital, Vanessa and Marie-Claire.
“They have always followed me,” she says. […] These are my little lucky charms. They are there in each of my fights. »
PHOTO MORGANE CHOCQUER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Kim Clavel
Yesenia Gómez has successfully defended her title six times since winning the belt in 2018. She is sure to be the toughest opponent Kim Clavel has faced.
“I think she’s going to test me,” said the Joliette pugilist. Am I really where people think I am? Friday, we will find out. She’s an aggressive girl. She is not afraid of being hit. She steps on her opponent. I feel like my speed is really going to be super important in this fight. »
Besides, the Clavel clan is ready. Talk to her trainer Danielle Bouchard.
“This is our fourth training camp where we visualize [Gómez], she recalls. I think we could draw it with all the little lines! »
“Women take their place”
It was not initially planned, but there will be gender parity at the July 29 gala. The Canadian’s Mexican opponent Eric Basran is injured, which caused the cancellation of this fight and therefore an equal number of three men’s and women’s clashes.
PHOTO MORGANE CHOCQUER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Artur Biyarslanov, Jonathan Di Bella, Yesenia Gomez, Kim Clavel, Marie-Pier Houle, Caroline Veyre and Derek Pomerleau
Caroline Veyre will make her professional debut after a long career on the amateur circuit, while Marie-Pier Houle (6-0-1, 2 K.-O.) will continue her journey with the pros.
Yvon Michel thus speaks of a “historic” gala, since it is the first egalitarian boxing gala organized in Quebec.
“They are there because they are good, and because they have a lot of talent,” said the promoter on Wednesday. We got there today. »
Houle is delighted to see that “women are taking their place”.
“Especially since the final is a world title fight. And Kim attracts a lot of people. It’s good for us. It’s a great image for women’s boxing. »
PHOTO MORGANE CHOCQUER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Boxer Marie-Pier Houle
The boxer from Terrebonne does not hide that she would like to “eventually be in her place, on the last step of the stage”. She refers with a smile to the position of the pugilists during their presentation during the press conference.
“I really have the ambition to get there. »
Marie-Pier Houle’s opponent has changed in recent weeks. She now faces Hungarian Timea Gabriella Belik (6-5-2). The late aspect of this modification does not bother her too much.
Because no matter who comes before her, she will “impose [son] style “.
“No matter how hard she tries to do what she wants, I will impose myself physically. And demonstrate that I’m better than her. »
“I want a big fight, adds Marie-Pier Houle. This is my last six rounds. I want to show that I am ready to go to eight. I’m ready to take the next step. »