Photo: Vincent Ethier – In 2024, EOTTM participated in 80 bouts, achieving an impressive record of 73-5-2.
As the new year approaches, it’s a time for resolutions—but first, reflections. Punching Grace sat down with Eye of the Tiger’s head coach and development director, Marc Ramsay, to review the year’s highlights and look ahead to what’s next.
Mbilli in the Spotlight
While the call from “Canelo” is still awaited, 2024 was undoubtedly the best year in the career of Christian Mbilli (28-0, 23 KOs). In January, “Solide” defeated Rohan Murdock (IBF #9), earning EOTTM’s Performance of the Year. He then demolished former British champion Mark Heffron in the first round in May and kicked off a partnership with Top Rank and ESPN in August with a dominant win over Sergiy Derevyanchenko (WBC #7).
“We’re still fine-tuning some details, but Christian is in peak form right now. The biggest difference this year has been his off-ring experience: handling pressure, cameras, and interviews,” commented his coach.
“We’ve successfully positioned him where we wanted. We pushed the boundaries, and it’s paying off with ongoing discussions with the IBF and WBC for his next fight.”
The Tornado Strikes
Osleys Iglesias (13-0, 12 KOs) also made waves this year with crushing KOs against quality opponents like Marcelo Coceres, Evgeny Shvedenko, Sena Agbeko, and Petro Ivanov. Confidence is so high that “El Tornado” was nearly matched with Carlos Góngora before Góngora opted to face Lester Martinez instead.
“2025 will be extremely interesting for him. I’ve been following him since his amateur days and knew he was very talented when we signed him. He’s performed so well that we’re still discovering his true ceiling.”
The Guerrero Year
Among EOTTM’s rising stars, Christopher Guerrero (12-0, 7 KOs) stood out. After a lackluster performance in January, the Montrealer bounced back with the KO of the Night against American Kenny Larson in May. He followed up with the Performance of the Night against New Yorker Courtney Pennington in September.
These stellar victories earned “Machine Gun” a spot on the global stage, finishing the year ranked 14th in the IBF welterweight rankings.
“He’s earned his place through sheer grit with his coach Giuseppe Moffa. They came to my office asking for bigger challenges, and it paid off. Guerrero might be EOTTM’s most improved prospect this year.”
The Soldier Steps Up
In terms of development, Moreno Fendero (8-0, 6 KOs) emerged as a standout in 2024. Having arrived in Montreal in fall 2023, Fendero quickly made a name for himself in Quebec, Montreal, Shawinigan, and Gatineau.
With six wins this year, including EOTTM’s KO of the Year, “The Soldier” was named EOTTM’s 2024 Prospect of the Year.
“What stands out is his work ethic. You can see the military discipline he brings to training,” his coach noted, adding that he’s impressed with Fendero’s transition from 160 to 168 lbs.
No detour on the fast lane
Another top prospect under Ramsay’s wing is Jhon Orobio (12-0, 11 KOs). Orobio was one of Canada’s most active fighters in 2024, tying Wilkens Mathieu with seven wins. At just 21 years old, he is set for his first 10-round fight in March.
“There’s a constant internal battle with him—a positive one—because he’s a young fighter eager for big fights. Having gone through this process before, it’s my job to ensure we don’t skip steps in his development.”
Still, the level of opposition will increase in March. Stay tuned…
The Fast Track
For older fighters, there’s no choice but to accelerate. Mehmet Unal (11-0, 9 KOs) will face veteran Olympian Ezequiel Maderna in his third 10-round bout in just 12 fights.
Even faster is Imam Khataev (9-0, 9 KOs), ranked #7 by the WBC and #8 by the IBF in light heavyweight. Add Albert Ramirez (19-0, 16 KOs), ranked #2 by the WBC and WBA, #3 by the WBO, and #5 by the IBF, and it’s clear EOTTM is shaping the future of the division.
Wolf, Dragon, and Wasp
While EOTTM’s 168 and 175 lb divisions are well-known, the stable also boasts talent in the 135-140 lb categories. In super lightweight, Steve “The Dragon” Claggett (38-8-2, 27 KOs) is ranked #12 by the WBC, while NABF champion Arthur “The Wolf” Biyarslanov (17-0, 14 KOs) is knocking on the door at #16.
“With Arthur, we’re at a similar stage to where Christian was two years ago. This year is about finding the right opponents to break into the top 10 or even the top 5,” said his former coach, now replaced by Samuel Décarie-Drolet.
Lightweight prospect Dzmitry Asanau (9-0, 4 KOs) is in a similar spot, ranked #17 by the WBC after capturing the Continental Americas title.
New Coach, New Chapter
EOTTM lightweight Avery Martin Duval (12-0-1, 7 KOs) will start 2025 with a new trainer. Khaled El Bassat of Pointe-Claire’s Urban Legend Boxing Gym joins the team as head coach, while Lentz Lundy remains in his corner as an assistant.
Duval, nicknamed “The Future,” will face former Italian champion Marvin Demollari on February 6.
The Lion’s Roar
Arslanbek Makhmudov (19-2, 18 KOs) is back in training, with rumors linking him to a fight against Simon Kean. However, nothing is confirmed yet.
“Arslanbek has shown he’s still willing to put in the effort to return. It’s now about finding the right opportunities, possibly even on another promoter’s card,” Ramsay said.
Spotlight on Beaudoin
In women’s boxing, EOTTM leveled up in 2024. Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse (7-2, 2 KOs) won the WBC heavyweight title in March, and Mary Spencer (9-2, 6 KOs) captured the WBA super welterweight crown in September. Meanwhile, Leïla Beaudoin (12-1, 1 KO) continued her ascent, claiming the WBO international super featherweight title.
“For Vanessa and Mary, those were short-term goals when we signed them. For Leïla, we expect her big year is still ahead.”
Her journey begins on March 14 at Théâtre St-Denis.
Local Matchups
EOTTM delivered local clashes in 2024, such as Ramirez-Ziyatdinov, Butler-Rolls, and Bazinyan-Phinn. In 2025, Bazinyan will face Butler.
“This fight offers the winner a path to something more significant internationally and meets public demand. All parties have something to gain,” Ramsay said.
The same applies to Mbilli and Iglesias—but on a larger scale, with world titles in play.
Quick notes
EOTTM is finalizing a major international move for 2025.
EOTTM was also working on another local fight for March 14 (and it wasn’t Makhmudov-Kean). But an injury (at least) postponed the plan.
Mary Spencer should defend her world title for the first time on March 14.
Wilkens Mathieu was only pulled out of the February 6 card so he could instead fight on March 14.
