Photo: Mathieu Belanger / EOTTM – Christian Mbilli (28-0, 23 KO)
Camille Estephan was all smiles this morning as he announced Eye of the Tiger’s return to Quebec City. On June 27, Christian Mbilli will go glove-to-glove with Polish fighter Maciej Sulęcki in a crucial clash for the WBC interim title.
Sulęcki is known for playing spoiler on foreign soil. In his last bout, he ruined Ali Akhmedov’s homecoming in Kazakhstan. A technical boxer with controlled aggression, he shines on the counterattack. I saw him break down prospect Hugo Centeno in Chicago, beat Jack Culcay in New Jersey, Gabe Rosado in Philadelphia, and most recently Akhmedov. Quebec won’t intimidate him. This is a real main event.
“This fight is the one that separates me from Canelo. It’s time to settle the score from our sparring sessions. Of course, M’Billi won’t be an easy opponent, but I’m in a great mindset. My team is solid, everyone is doing their part. On June 27, in Montreal, I’m going to send a clear message, in his backyard. We’re coming in as champions. And we’re leaving as champions—with our ticket to face Canelo in hand.”
Photo: Mathieu Belanger / EOTTM – Leila Beaudoin
Leïla Beaudoin: The True Co-Main Event
“I want a world title within the year. Taking this risk is my chance to position myself. I’m ready. Enough messing around. Alycia Baumgardner, I’m coming.” — Leïla Beaudoin, hungry.
I asked Marie-Ève Albert to tell me about Elhem Mekhaled. So I’ll give her the floor:
“Mekhaled was the WBC interim champion at 130 lbs and EBU champion. Over the past three years, she has faced top-10 opponents like Alycia Baumgardner (world title fight), Delfine Persoon, and recently Chantelle Cameron, against whom she suffered a majority decision loss. She has a technical boxing style and strong spirit.”
Photo: Mathieu Belanger / EOTTM – Bazinyan, Estephan and Butler
Butler vs Bazinyan: Take 2
After a convincing performance against Jaime Munguia, BZO will want to show he belongs with the elite by leaving no doubt against Steven Butler. “Bang Bang,” despite five knockout losses, still dreams of a world title. But a sixth defeat could end that dream for good.
Makhmudov vs Brown: Don’t Blink
Yes, it’s a cliché phrase—but it fits perfectly here. Arslanbek Makhmudov has no room for error anymore, while Ricardo Brown, a 6’7″ Jamaican, is aiming to make a name for himself on the world stage—something EOTTM and Top Rank can offer. This fight promises rare violence. Both punchers hit like mules.
Photo: Mathieu Belanger / EOTTM – Quebec vs Ontario, Russia vs Jamaica, Makhmudov vs Brown…
On the Podcast…
I still can’t get over the fight between Imam Khataev and David Morrell. I already thought the Russian was climbing the ranks three steps at a time… now he’s taken the whole staircase at once. Morrell is dangerous—probably the most explosive puncher at 175 lbs. Proof that Khataev didn’t turn pro just to collect checks. He wants the best.
Some people threw rocks at me a few weeks ago when I put Jhon Orobio in the same sentence as Abdullah Mason… At the press conference, I was delighted to hear Camille Estephan announce that our French-speaking Colombian was becoming an ambassador for Ring Magazine in the same capacity… as Abdullah Mason. I wonder if we will dare throw the same rocks at Turki Al-Sheikh by saying that he is exaggerating with Orobio…
Photo: Vincent Ethier / EOTTM – Jhon Orobio
Washington Caps: Solid as Oak
I can still hear my friend Jean-Charles Lajoie saying the Capitals were beatable. Jici was already planning his second-round matchups. In the end, I’ve rarely seen a team as intense, rugged, and motivated as Spencer Carbery’s men. Without Montembeault’s heroics, the series would already be over. Snake was right: they should’ve drafted one last top-five pick before going all in. Go Habs Go—if we’re still allowed to write that.
