Photo: Joseph Correa – Tamm Thibeault
43 years old, it’s early to start rambling, but I’ll say it again: “What a great weekend to be single.” Jake Paul and Turki Al-Sheikh, unintentionally, have joined forces to give us one of the best boxing weekends ever.
After your painful and routine 9 to 5 on Friday, not one, not two, but six world title fights will take place at Madison Square Garden in New York. Jessica Camara will have a shot at the WBC title, and Tamm Thibeault will be in the biggest fight of her career.
Saturday night, we’re being served a massive show with Shakur Stevenson vs William Zepeda, Alberto Puello vs Subriel Matías, and one of our own, Imam Khataev, against the dangerous David Morrell.
My boss and friend Noé Cloutier told me not to go over 750 words in my texts. This might end badly with nine high-stakes fights this weekend.
Photo: Joseph Correa – Jake Paul and Tamm Thibeault
Tamm Thibeault (2-0, 1 KO) vs Mary Casamassa (6-0, 1 KO)
A very high level of opposition for just her third pro fight. The engineer from Pittsburgh is ranked #1 WBC, #1 IBF at middleweight, and also #1 WBA and #1 WBO at super welterweight. The fight is also for the WBA mandatory challenger spot. Tamm is from Shawinigan and is a two-time Olympian. She now boxes out of the Steel City Gym in England. This is the final stop before a world title shot. She’s going to rewrite all the records in Canadian women’s boxing… but first, she needs to get past Mary Casamassa, who should offer some resistance.
Prediction: Tamm by unanimous decision, 80-72
Photo: Golden Boy Promotions – David Morrell and Imam Khataev
David Morrell (11-1, 9 KO) vs Imam Khataev (10-0, 9 KO)
In his fight against David Benavídez, the Cuban proved he hits like a mule and has a granite chin. But he wasn’t active enough. He kept his hands high and used footwork worthy of the greats to create angles. But it wasn’t enough to win. Against Khataev, he’ll have to attack more and take more risks. The Russian, largely underestimated despite his amateur career and being 30 years old, will have to apply pressure and earn respect from the very first rounds. Morrell, meanwhile, is a prodigy at moving and counterpunching.
Prediction: Morrell by referee stoppage in the 9th round (TKO9)
Photo: Esther Lin – Jessica Camara
Jessica Camara (14-4-1, 3 KO) vs. Chantelle Cameron (20-1, 8 KO)
The Cobra steps into a fight for the interim WBC title. No one has more road wins than Jessica Camara. She’s got loads of experience at the world-class level. She’s tough, technical, and loves to punish aggressive opponents with counters. Cameron, however, has the edge in height, reach, and physical strength. I’m calling this one of the best fights of the night.
Prediction: Draw!!!
Quick picks: Friday night
* Cherneka Johnson by decision vs Shuretta Metcalfe
* Ellie Scotney by decision vs Yamileth Mercado
* Savannah Marshall by decision vs Shadasia Green
* Alycia Baumgardner by TKO6 vs. Jennifer Miranda
* Amanda Serrano by decision vs Katie Taylor
Quick picks: Saturday night
* Alberto Puello by decision vs Subriel Matías
* Shakur Stevenson by decision vs William Zepeda
* Edgar Berlanga by decision vs Hamzah Sheeraz
Photo: Golden Boy Promotions – Edgar Berlanga and Hamzah Sheeraz
On the podcast
My friend Turki Al-Sheikh used his X account to hype a potential fight between Christian Mbilli and Lester Martinez. The Guatemalan is undefeated, hits hard, and just demolished Carlos Góngora.
Derek Pomerleau’s next fight will be against Lancelot Proton de la Chapelle, the most noble name in boxing right now. The French boxer has beaten Brandon Brewer twice in Canada. What a fight it’ll be against Pomerleau.
Finally, Leïla Beaudoin deserves her world title shot. She’ll be putting a target Saturday night on the winner between Alycia Baumgardner and Jennifer Miranda.
The belt is coming to Quebec!!!!
