Mark Heffron is convinced of achieving what has never been done before: defeating, or even stopping, Christian Mbilli.
The English super-middleweight will face Mbilli (26-0, 22 KOs), who will then try to defend his International belts of the World Boxing Association (WBA) and Continental of the Americas of the World Boxing Council (WBC), in a big way. final of the gala presented at the Center Gervais Auto in Shawinigan, on May 25.
Heffron comes to Quebec with a good record: 30 victories, including 24 before the limit, against three losses and a draw. He knows that in Mbilli, classified in the top 4 of the four main sanctioning bodies, he will face the best boxer of his career. But far from being intimidated, the Mancunian wants to use this fight as a springboard.
“It’s a huge showcase for me,” he said of this fight presented on ESPN by videoconference from his home in Manchester. Getting a victory against Mbilli, which I am very confident I can achieve, could open a lot of doors for me.
“Mbilli is in the top 5 global. Beating him would probably give me his rankings, added the 32-year-old pugilist. That would be great for the future. I will definitely have a huge fight after beating Mbilli.
“From what I’ve seen of him, he’s fought boxers of all styles. What he didn’t see was the kind of power I bring. I don’t think he will easily get rid of me like he did his other opponents. »
Heffron is not the first to promise to defeat the French-born Montrealer. The nuance with previous boxers lies in the respect he feels for his opponent.
“He’s a very good boxer in all aspects,” Heffron said. I really like Mbilli, I like his fighting style. He’s a guy I really enjoy watching box. I think our styles complement each other well.
“I am an exciting fighter who always comes for the victory. I’m going for the knockout! […] The styles [des boxeurs] are what make good fights and Mbilli and I have styles that will spark fire! »
This will be Heffron’s first professional trip abroad. But the latter reminds that this will not be his first outing in an opposing ring.
“I have often fought abroad among amateurs. I’ve been around the world quite a bit. We will arrive about a week before the fight and I have every confidence that we will be treated very well. I can not wait. »
For boxing fans who don’t know Heffron, he suggests checking out his fight against Lennox Clarke, fought in July 2022.
“I think I’ve had a few good fights, but if people only had to watch one, I think I’d watch that one. That was a good fight! I won three belts that night, it went pretty well! »
It is indeed a duel that makes you want to see it against Mbilli, who is used to offering colorful fights.