Beterbiev against Smith at the Videotron Center: “The real revival of boxing in Quebec”

The noble art is not going through its most prosperous period, but the gala which will oppose the unified light heavyweight world champion, Artur Beterbiev, to the contender Callum Smith, on August 19 at the Videotron Center, will be the “real revival of boxing in Quebec”, according to the president of Eye of the Tiger Management, Camille Estephan.

“It’s a great pride to bring this fight here. For those who doubt that boxing is healthy in Quebec, we show that we can still do great things. We will keep this momentum for the years to come”, underlined the man who organizes the evening in association with Top Rank and Matchroom Boxing.

The news, which had first been rumored by colleague Réjean Tremblay, is therefore confirmed. This will be the first world title fight in Quebec since the dramatic final of the 1^er December 2018 between Adonis Stevenson and Oleksandr Gvozdyk.

For the occasion, Estephan expects at least 5,000 people to attend the duel between the WBC, WBO and IBF champion against the mandatory WBC contender. The evening will be broadcast on ESPN and the Punching Grace web platform.

While the promoter talks about making history, coach Marc Ramsay meanwhile described Beterbiev as “the best show in Quebec, all sports combined.”

The best so far

Beterbiev was not present for the press conference at the Videotron Centre, the adopted Montrealer already training at altitude in his native Russia.

In the eyes of Ramsay, the Briton Smith will undoubtedly be his biggest challenge to date, he who suffered his only loss in 30 fights at the hands of Canelo Alvarez, in December 2020.

“He’s the best boxer we’ve faced,” said the experienced man, who will take care exclusively of Beterbiev, while his other protege Christian Mbilli will be left in the good care of Russ Anber and Samuel Décarie.

“It’s not a situation that I like, but the magnitude of this fight means that I can’t have my mind in several different places. All my attention will be on Artur.

“Smith is a complete 6’3″ boxer with a long reach. He has a lot of skill, speed and power. It’s a complex file, but it’s a fascinating challenge for us,” continued Ramsay.

The latter did not hide that the first choice would have been to face the WBA champion Dmitrii Bivol, but “negotiating side, it is very closed on the other side”, he reported.

Kean an action

In addition to Beterbiev, fans will have several big names in Quebec boxing to watch.

Among the heavyweights, the Trifluvien Simon Kean (23-1, 22 K.-O.) will be in his first fight since his victory against Eric Molina in March. Another win would propel him into the top 10 in the world.

“We had preparation fights to go up gradually and we got into the big challenges on the American TV networks. I think I’m in my prime. The heavyweights, we mature later”, noted the 34-year-old pugilist, whom the rumor sends to the arena against Otto Wallin (25-1, 14 KOs) even if nothing is confirmed .

Leïla wants to shine

WBC Continental Americas and WBA International super middleweight champion Christian Mbilli (24-0, 20 KOs) will be in action, but his rival is also unconfirmed. It is the same situation for all the other boxers.

The undercard will also feature Leïla Beaudoin (9-1, 1 KO), declared a controversial loser in her last fight despite breaking her Mexican rival’s jaw. She has since been ranked fifth in the world by The Ring and ninth by the WBA.

“The Ring announcement says a lot about my last fight decision. I feel like showing what I am capable of against a big opponent to impose myself on the international scene,” she said.

The other boxers involved are Wilkens Mathieu (2-0, 1 KO) and Clovis Drolet (13-1, 9 KO), who will return after a two-year absence.

Tickets go on sale at noon Friday.

Christian Mbilli is back from hell

French-born Montrealer Christian Mbilli believes that his legendary fight against Carlos Gongora on March 23, in which he struggled to maintain his perfect record, will help him move to the next level.

In an unforgettable eighth round, Mbilli faltered after being hit hard several times. He came to his senses to finish strong and is ranked as the No. 1 contender for the WBC crown held by unified champion Canelo Alvarez.

Mbilli has since reviewed the fight and believes that this moment of doubt can only serve him for the rest of his career in full flight.

“When you come back from hell like I went through in the eighth round, you come back up. I have only one regret and that is not having danced more in these abysses. This fight taught me a lot about myself. I knew I was a warrior and I knew all my abilities, but when you have abilities that you never use, you lose them. After this fight, I am ready for a world championship. This fire that is in me burns even stronger today,” he said.

Fresh as a rose

Even if he admits to having been shaken, Mbilli assures that he does not feel the slightest physical or mental consequences of this war.

“The next day, I was jogging! I am someone who recovers quite well. I’m ready to put on another big show for Quebecers. I can’t wait to give another great fight, but not another eighth round like I’ve known! With several rounds like this, my career would not be long,” he smiled.

For now, his opponent remains to be confirmed, but he knows that the world elite are increasingly aware of his immense potential.

“After this fight, my opponents are asking even more. It’s part of the game,” noted the one who identifies Artur Beterbiev as his great model.

“To box undercard with him is really a privilege and I have to show that I am the future. After him, I will be there,” he explained.

While waiting for a world title opportunity, Mbilli is looking forward to a third fight at the Videotron Center.

“As they say in The jungle Book: “It takes little to be happy”. I have a mouth to break and a show to give,” he laughed.