Is this the end of the journey for Jean Pascal?
The question arises after his defeat by unanimous decision – and indisputable – against the German Michael Eifert, Thursday evening, at Place Bell, in Laval.
One arm in the air, Pascal was obviously expecting another decision. But the judges’ cards were relentless: 118-110, 117-111 and 115-113, all in favor of the 24-year-old German, despite the crowd’s boos and disbelief in the Quebecer’s corner.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Michael Eifert
Eifert (12-1, 5 K.-O.), who seemed convinced of his triumph when he climbed into the corner to harangue the public, thus becomes the obligatory candidate for the belt of light heavyweight world champion of the IBF, currently owned by Montreal slugger Artur Beterbiev.
Widely favorite among forecasters and analysts, Pascal, 40, must now analyze his future.
But that’s not what caught the attention at a press conference a little later. Following his coach Orlando Cuellar, who was furious with the decision, Pascal said he did not understand how the judges could have reached this verdict.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Michael Eifert and Jean Pascal
“It’s not the decision we wanted, unfortunately, dropped the ex-champion, his face decomposed. I think I gave a good performance. »
I was never really in danger in this fight. It was he who was more often in danger. I let him knock whenever I wanted. I was the one putting pressure on him.
John Pascal
The former world champion (36-7-1, 20 K.-O) had predicted a K.-O. against Eifert, former unified youth champion who had never left Europe. Only a significant victory would allow him to continue his road to a world championship, he added, without deciding on a possible retirement.
“That’s why it’s important that I sit down to think about what’s next and see what I’m going to do,” Pascal cautiously indicated. Of course my goal was to return to the world championship. Here, I’m taking a step back, so it’s important for me to make the right decision. »
Eifert in control
Apart from three or four flashes, often at the end of the assault, Pascal rarely managed to touch and even less shake the German. Methodical, he controlled the ring and the pace of the fight.
Again, Jean Pascal did not agree, but not at all. “I was the one who landed the best shots. I was the most aggressive. Technically, the one who lands the best shots, the one who is hit the least solidly. Maybe I’m wrong, but it seems to me that I was never really in danger in this fight. So I don’t understand the judges’ decision. »
Cuellar was even more incisive, deploring the work of the three judges (one Quebecer and two Americans). “Some judges have fallen asleep,” he said. I don’t think it was a fair decision. I think Pascal did enough to win. »
Before the announcement of the verdict, the clan of Eifert feared a local decision. “No matter what they decide, you won,” promoter Benedikt Pölchau told his protege.
Eifert had no doubts. “I clearly won the fight, I delivered the most precise blows, I downgraded him and I almost knocked him out. a few times listed the winner through his promoter. Jean Pascal may have won two rounds. »
The duel was “a little easier” than he expected from a cunning and experienced rival like Pascal. “I expected him to be more aggressive. »
At 12e, a final left hook from Pascal did not hit the target and unbalanced him. The blow felt like a Hail Mary. But he probably won’t agree.