It was a calmer, more composed, even cool-headed Kim Clavel who appeared before the media on Wednesday morning for her pre-fight press conference.
“I feel zen, I feel good,” confirmed the pugilist with a smile. […] Saturday, I will do the best I can. We can’t do better than that. And if best is enough, I will win. »
Saturday evening, therefore, Clavel (17-1-0, 3 KOs) will enter a ring that she now knows rather well, that of Place Bell, in order to face the Argentine Evelin Bermúdez (18- 1-1, 6 KOs). Nine months after suffering her first career defeat and losing her WBC championship belt to Yesica Nery Plata, the Quebecer will try to become unified WBO and IBF champion.
“Bermúdez, that evening, she will not leave with her belts. That evening, I’m going to be invincible,” Clavel said into the microphone.
At the other end of the table, Bermúdez smirked as an interpreter translated into his ear what had just been said. The 26-year-old Argentinian, who fought nine times in the world championship during her career, was less incisive earlier, contenting herself with saying that “everyone is good in the ring” .
But Clavel is not used to being blunt in front of the microphones before her fights. Even though she is, on paper, the underdog in a duel taking place at home, she has remained true to herself in the way she expresses herself.
“I can take on anyone. […] I’m level, I know that. But to beat a girl like Bermúdez, it’s going to take something more, and here I have it. The speech in my head right now is positive. It’s going well, really well. I get chills just talking to you about it. »
More strategic
In Bermúdez, Clavel will face an “excellent, unique boxer,” argued trainer Danielle Bouchard. “She’s big, she’s got a long reach, good speed. She throws a lot. »
Therefore, the Clavel team has prepared for any eventuality. All scenarios have been practiced, assured Bouchard.
“I can tell you that the shark is ready,” continued the coach. The shark is known to be a super predator. His eyelids never close. He fears nothing. That’s a bit of what I see in Kim, her determination. She wants to become champion again. I believe it. I believe in it as much as I believed in it when she became world champion. »
Spectators who will be at Place Bell should expect to see a “more strategic”, “intelligent” Clavel at work, as the boxer herself summed up. His attacks and withdrawals will be better calculated.
Finally, rest assured: the Quebecer will fight for her identity, with vigor.
“A Kim Clavel fight is rarely boring. And it won’t be flat on Saturday either, decided the pugilist. It can’t be boring with an opponent like Bermúdez. It’s going to be grandiose, fun, exciting. But I’m going to be smart in what I’m going to do. »
The fight that can change a life
In boxing, we constantly say that every fight is the most important, which is not untrue. Clavel called him back Wednesday morning. “I really have the clear impression that this fight can change my future, that it can change my life,” she said.
On several occasions, the boxer insisted on the importance of winning this fight for her. She wants to prove to herself that she can become world champion again.
“The fight against Plata, I let myself get carried away by my emotions. I heard the crowd screaming, I wanted to put in more than I needed. It can be a double-edged sword. But here, I have something to prove to myself and no one else. I’m doing this fight for me and it makes me feel good. »
For her… and maybe a little for her father, Pierre.
“Last week I realized that my father was getting older. I looked at one of his photos and I had tears in my eyes. He had his cap on and he put his little badge of mine on it. »
“He comes to every one of my fights. He is 73 years old and I find it beautiful that he is here and that he is healthy to come. I’m touched. My father, I’m going to make a good living for him. This is my world. It’s important to me,” she added, her eyes misty and her fist on her heart.
And if ?
Asked what awaited Clavel in the event of a second defeat in nine months, promoter Yvon Michel indicated that it would “not be the end of the world”. “If she were to lose, we would bring her back to the world championship. There will be a lot of investment in women’s boxing. There is going to be a line that will be organized for her. There will be funding. It’s not coming very long term. We are talking about six months or a year maximum. Kim might actually be into activities like that. The most important thing is that she keeps her spirits up, that she understands that it can happen. »
On the undercard
The first bell of Saturday’s gala, called La Reconquête, will be given at around 7 p.m. Derek Pomerleau (5-0-0, 3 KOs) will first face the Czech Michal Chludil (3-1-2, 2 KOs), then Caroline Veyre (4-0-0) will face the Italian Jessica Bellusci (4-0-0, 2 KOs). It will then be Marie-Pier Houle (8-1-1, 2 KOs) who will enter the ring to face the Mexican Cindy Reyes Espinoza (4-1-0). Note that this last duel will ultimately last 8 rounds rather than 10 as planned; a decision of the Régie that is difficult to explain by Yvon Michel. “It’s a bit incomprehensible. I asked for a review of this decision, but we cannot discuss it with anyone from the Régie,” he said. After Houle, Sébastien Bouchard (20-2-1, 9 KOs) will face Mazlum Akdeniz (18-0-0, 8 KOs). Clavel and Bermúdez will follow around 10 p.m.