“I wanted to win. I really wanted to win, ”launched a fulfilled Kim Clavel, despite the many bruises.
Where she experienced the agony of defeat in January, in the Place Bell ring, Kim Clavel experienced the joy of victory against Naomi Arellano Reyes on Friday. The reconquest of her title of world champion is well and truly underway.
By the time the host started listing the judges’ cards — 96-94, 98-92, and 98-92 — both boxers had their fists in the air and sounded confident. When Clavel’s name finally sounded, the crowd exploded and a wide smile made its way through the local pugilist’s bruises.
Clavel was slow to show up to a post-fight press conference, busy receiving stitches in her face. It’s that a headbutt from her opponent cut her on the eyelid and under the left eye in the eighth round. Despite the blood that was flowing, the Quebecer remained focused on seeking victory.
“It was quite a fight, launched the champion. She was an extremely tough opponent, probably the hardest hitting girl I’ve ever fought against. »
A few weeks ago, Clavel said he wanted to “set the record straight” and prove that his defeat in the unification fight was only a “small error in the course”. Although the fight was “not perfect” against an “extremely tough” opponent, she got there.
Coming back from a loss is not easy. You have to talk to yourself in your head, it takes courage. It takes work. You have to be positive in your head all the time. We knew it was not going to be an easy fight.
Kim Clavel
“I found a way to win,” she added with a smile.
Responsible defensively
From the sound of the bell, around 9:30 p.m., the Quebecer seemed more alert defensively than during her last duel. She attacked at the right moments, offering, as usual, an intense and fierce fight.
In the first five rounds, Clavel had to take several good shots from his opponents, but always to shoot better in turn. In her bubble, she didn’t seem the least bit affected by Reyes’ attacks, until a headbutt cut her in two places.
The Quebecer slowed the pace in the next round, before activating in the final two minutes. Despite the blood coming out of his nose and his eyelid, Clavel continued to attack, under the “Clavel, Clavel, Clavel” that resounded in the amphitheater.
“I think my speed really made a difference in that fight. My left hook, my right hand – I managed to pass it often. It wasn’t a perfect fight, I know, but we won. This is the main.
“I moved, I used the ring. She really had long arms, a long reach. I had no choice but to go back, I just had to bring my hands up high, protect myself, be careful. »
Over the past few weeks, Clavel has often spoken about the need for impeccable concentration, an aspect that was somewhat lacking in January. In this regard, it’s mission accomplished: the boxer was absorbed in the task and listening to everything her team told her.
I managed to be focused. I knew it, what was going on. I received blows, but it’s boxing and it’s part of the game. At some point, you can’t dodge them all. I would have liked that to stop them all, like Patrick Roy, but I missed a couple! We won the same match.
Kim Clavel
“To be honest with you, today I needed all my little courage in my heart, she added a little later. Inside me, I talked to myself like it’s not possible. Boxing is hard. Not just anyone can do that. We do. Shit it’s not easy. […] We do it for passion. I love this sport deeply. It hurts, but it makes me feel good at the same time. »
Next step
In front of 2,229 spectators, Clavel got his hands on the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) International and World Boxing Organization (WBO) Intercontinental belts. But beyond that, the pugilist of the Yvon Michel Group (GYM) becomes a compulsory contender for the titles of these two organizations. She could therefore fight in the world championship soon; that’s the plan. A date is already reserved in October, but nothing is certain yet for a title fight.
“We will not wait six months to bring Kim back to the ring if ever the negotiations are difficult and we are not able to conclude an agreement quickly”, nevertheless specified Yvon Michel at his side.
For now, Clavel will enjoy a well-deserved rest.
“I’m staying at the Times Hotel and do you know what’s going on tomorrow morning?” “, she launched before leaving. “A free continental breakfast! »