Last week, GYM confirmed that World Boxing Council (WBC) and linear world light heavyweight champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (21-1-0, 18 KOs) will defend his crown for the first time against former International Boxing Federation (IBF) light heavyweight champion Tavoris “Thunder” Cloud (24-1-0, 19 KOs). The titanic collision will take place at the Bell Centre in Montreal on September 28 and will be broadcast live worldwide by HBO Sports USA.
GYM also recently confirmed the Sept. 28th participation of the former WBC light heavyweight and linear world light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal (22-2-1, 16 KOs) against George “Honey Boy” Blades (23-4-2, 16 KOs). WBC #2-rated Pascal will be fighting for the first time since defeating Aleksy Kuziemski in December, 2012.
“There is no doubt that Pascal’s participation will add interest to the event,” GYM president Yvon Michel said. “After consulting with all closely involved with Jean, we have come to the conclusion that his presence on the September 28 event would not only benefit hi career, but also provide optimal preparation for his mega-fight against Lucian Bute on January 18th. The benefits gained by his presence in the ring far outweighs the potential risks.”
The 39-year-old Blades has been boxing professionally since 1999. From 1999 to 2007, he won 20 of his first 22 pro fights to become a world contender. In June 2007, he got a world championship opportunity against World Boxing Organization (WBO) champion Zsolt Erdei (26-0-0), who stopped Blades in the 11th round of their world title fight in Hungary. Blades has won his last two fights, most recently at home in Indiana against James Morrow (12-19-3).
Another world light heavyweight contender from Montreal fighting on the Sept. 28 event, North American Boxing Association (NABA) and North American Boxing Organization (NABO) champion Eleider “Storm” Alvarez (12-0-0, 8 KOs) rated #4 by the World Boxing Association (WBA) and #7 by the WBO, faces fellow Colombian Edison “Pantera” Miranda (35-8-0, 30 KOs).
Alvarez won his last three fights by knockout, the last two against world-rated challengers Danny McIntosh and Nicholson Poulard. He is seeking a world championship fight in the short term against explosive WBO champion Sergey Kovalev (22-0-1, 20 KOs). Miranda is a dangerous puncher who, after an early meteoric rise in which he had two unsuccessful world title shots, seeks to revive his career. According to his promoter, Leon Margules, Miranda is doubling in training regiment: “Edison is 32 years old and he is aware that he must absolutely win Sept. 28 because it is his last chance. For that reason he is training in Florida with more determination than ever. Because Alvarez and Miranda are both Colombians, their fight is so much more personal, passionate and emotional for both warriors.”
Another fighter waiting to explode Sept. 28 on the international scene is young middleweight David Lemieux (29-2-0, 28 KOs), who is now ranked WBC #14 and IBF #15. His opponent is upset-minded Marcus Upshaw (15-10-2, 7 KOs), who is well known in Quebec for defeating Renan St-Juste in Quebec City in 2010. “Standing 6′ 4” and with his style, it is possible that David looks bad at times, but this is the kind of strong and complicated opponent that will allow David to grow,” noted Lemieux’ trainer Marc Ramsay. Lemieux has won his last four fights by knockout, fighting a total of only six rounds during this stretch.
Antonin Decarie’s (27-2-0, 7 KOs ) last two fights aired on HBO and, despite losing his last fight to Argentinian Carlos Abregu (35-1-0, 28 KOs), the 30-year-old Decarie showed the right stuff to evolve into a world title contender, proving the WBC #11 welterweight still has a very promising career. Decarie has also been selected to represent North America in the WBC’s international World Cup tournament scheduled to start in late 2013. In an eight-round, stay busy fight on Sept. 28, Decarie will meet Belgian Cedrik Spera (10-2-0, 2KOs).
The IBF I / C, NABA welterweight contender and IBF # 3 ranked Kevin Bizier (20-0-0, 14 KOs) will also be in action Sept. 28 after fully recovering from a painful ankle sprain. His opponent will be announced shortly. Bizier be one of the main headliners of an event GYM plans to present in Quebec City in November.
Finally, the Sept. 28th event will also showcase former world amateur champion Artur Beterbiev (1-0-0, 1 KO) in a six-round bout in the light heavyweight division.
All fights and fighters a subject to change.
“Superman Returns” is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), Don King Productions (DKP) and Gary Shaw Productions (GSP), in association with Mise-O-Jeu and Videotron.
The Sept. 28 event, featuring six world-ranked boxers, launches the much-anticipated 2013-14 GYM season.
Tickets are on sale at the Bell Centre, on www.evenko.ca, at GYM (514) 383-0666 or club Boxing Champion (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $50 in the red up to $300 on the floor.
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