Photos: Vincent Ethier – Leïla Beaudoin
I have a new favorite day in my life: June 27, 2025.
It felt really good to be single last night. I had to set up a triple-screen system in my luxurious studio apartment: the main TV on Punching Grace for the boxing, my iPhone streaming the Alouettes game, and I didn’t miss a second of the NHL draft, thanks to Greg Lanctôt fighting off sleep on BPM Sports’ YouTube channel.
I’d sum up my day with three names: Noah Dobson, Christian Mbilli, and Leïla Beaudoin.
“The best boxing card in Québec in a very long time.” – David-Alexandre Clapin, friend of the author
I got a lot of texts like that last night. And though I don’t shy away from throwing shade when it’s warranted, credit where it’s due: matchmaker Jordan Mathieu did an exceptional job last night.
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Wyatt Sanford
Take, for instance, 23-year-old boxer Mark Andrejev, who came here to give some rounds to rising star Wyatt Sanford. The Estonian never stopped believing—attacking nonstop despite the sheer number of punches he was taking in return.
Luis Santana didn’t care one bit about his eight-month layoff. He launched himself at Eduardo Estela with bad intentions. Luis is 27, has passed every test thrown his way, and is patiently waiting for his shot. I could easily see him in a 50/50 fight on American TV against someone like Gabriel Flores Jr., or in England against Zelfa Barrett. It’s time Santana gets seen on the international stage.
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Luis Santana
Wilkens Mathieu and Jhon Orobio both scored KOs. It’s clearer than ever why Turki Alalshikh has taken an interest in them. Ten-rounders and rankings are now on the horizon for these two EOTTM jewels. We’ll need to take our time—but not too much.
Steven Butler finally avenged his loss to Jose de Jesus Macias with a surgically-placed right-hand missile. Bang Bang has never lost his dream, his fire, or his passion. If I were EOTTM, I’d be calling up Shakeel Phinn for a fight. And if I were Camille Estephan… how many tickets could we sell for Steven Butler vs. Wilkens Mathieu at Videotron Centre?
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Steven Butler
Arslanbek Makhmudov is a beast. After taking out a former Olympian in one round last night, I’d love to see him face someone like Martin Bakole or Zhilei Zhang during Riyadh Season—one of those “big boys who hit hard” kind of fights. A Russian power-puncher with a twitch and a scowl like the one he wore at the weigh-in will always have a place in the heavyweight division.
I kept it quiet, but I actually thought M’Billi would go the distance with Maciej Sulecki. The Polish fighter had loads of experience, a reach advantage, and had just finished a training camp with Canelo. I didn’t even dare imagine that Solide would knock him out early. But M’Billi had the eyes of the world on him last night—and he put on a show. No one—and I mean no one—can wake up this morning and say Canelo doesn’t know who Christian M’Billi is, or that the Frenchman hasn’t done enough to earn a shot at the belts the redhead currently holds.
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Christian Mbilli
The Queen of Quebec City: Leïla Beaudoin
Leïla Beaudoin was the real co-main event last night. A hometown fighter from Québec City, she faced Elhem Mekhaled, who was coming off a draw against unified champion Chantelle Cameron.
What Leïla did last night was massive. She broke down the French boxer—speed, power, grit, spite, and precision. It’s the most impressive women’s boxing performance I’ve seen in Québec, and I’m calling it the performance of the year on Canadian soil as of June 28, 2025. Beaudoin deserves a world title shot, a headlining slot at Centre Vidéotron, a two-bedroom house, and a sports car after what she did in that ring.
Let me repeat: Mekhaled went the distance with Delfine Persoon, Alycia Baumgardner, and Chantelle Cameron. What Beaudoin did by knocking her out in the 6th round is nothing short of extraordinary.
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Leïla Beaudoin
On the Podcast
Kent Hughes is a genius. Getting Noah Dobson to Montréal without giving up Michael Hage or David Reinbacher? That’s daylight robbery. The only “problem” now is that the Canadiens have three #1 defensemen: Dobson, Hutson, and Guhle. Too much talent—what a great problem to have.
Réjean Tremblay was in Québec City. The next generation will be in Laval. So, starting Monday, I’ll be taking over for the godfather to recap the event.
Kudos to Luguentz Dort, who won the NBA championship with the Oklahoma City Thunder. I remember his early days at Parc-Extension. He’s a true role model for Québec youth.
