This is already my second column where I answer my own questions. The success of my first edition convinced me to write after every gala. However, I waited a bit for developments after the EOTTM gala in Quebec City. As the saying goes, “the night brings counsel.” Imagine a full week of reflection.
I’ll tell you this: I thought Wilkens would have a much harder time against a former Olympic medalist, I imagined Mehmet Unal knocking out another opponent, and I’m already curious to see what’s next for Moreno Fendero.
The one who deserves all the praise for her performance, and for the first paragraph of my text, is the queen of Quebec, Leïla Beaudoin.
Photo: Jeff Lockhart – Leïla Beaudoin vs Paulina Angel
Leïla Beaudoin convinced everyone, and I think I’ve found her future plan
The 30-year-old is becoming a superstar. She manages her social media better than any Quebec influencer and the media can’t get enough of her. My only question was whether she would be convincing against an opponent like Paulina Angel, who can punch and has a somewhat awkward style. It turned into a technical shutout where Leïla showed complete superiority. A convincing performance that earned her a WBA interim title and puts her back in the conversation for a full world championship fight.
My prediction, and you know my talent for forecasting the future: Leïla Beaudoin vs. Stéphanie Han for multiple titles at 135 pounds. You heard it here first.
Photo: Jeff Lockhart – Moreno Fendero vs Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz
Moreno Fendero is a gift for matchmakers and his promoter
For transparency’s sake, I have to admit that Moreno Fendero is one of my best friends. I love his kindness and his curious nature. He is a very good person whom I would trust with my savings. I was wondering whether he might crack. He has seen a lot of action over the past 12 months, boxing more than 30 rounds. And the message he sent to his promoter and matchmaker is clear: bring me competition, I want the highest possible rankings on BoxRec. He produced one of the most violent knockouts of the year in the 8th round against Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz.
He barely had time to celebrate before Camille Estephan announced he will fight in his first final, and against a Quebecer… since the clue left by the famous promoter is a fleur-de-lis. I haven’t been able to solve the mystery, but I would bet $2 in cash on Shakeel Phinn, who already has two excellent finals to his name.
Photo: Jeff Lockhart – Mehmet Unal vs Yoann Kongolo
Mehmet Unal just failed his exam for the first time
He was our brute. He was stopping opponents in one round, seeing his name in BoxRec’s top 5… then everything collapsed against Swiss fighter Yoann Kongolo. 99.4% of the fans present at the casino saw him losing.
Before the fight, I thought he was a gold nugget, a ferocious destroyer heading straight toward a world championship. I don’t even know if we should invest in him anymore today.
The only positive point: he no longer has his destroyer aura, which will make it easier to find opponents for him. Let’s hope it was just a bad night at the office.
Photo: Jeff Lockhart – Esquiva Falcao vs Wilkens Mathieu
Wilkens Mathieu: it’s now time to dip into BoxRec’s top 30
I didn’t mention it, but I thought Esquiva Falcao would cause trouble for Wilkens Mathieu. I imagined him getting hit, being in trouble, and then finding solutions to win. Answer to my questions: he dominated the ring and became the first to stop the Brazilian legend.
We have a nice problem: he already wants to fight for a world title and also wants to retire at 26… Solution: we pay Kevin Lele Sadjo to face him in Quebec later in 2026, then hope a sanctioning body offers him a mandatory contender fight.
The visuals were beautiful at the Capitole de Québec. I think we’ve found a venue for smaller galas than the Centre Vidéotron, but still useful for keeping our fighters active and building their records.
Photo: DAZN – Jake Paul and Tammara Thibeault
On the podcast
Tammara Thibeault is at the World Cup in China, where she is preparing her path toward a third Olympic Games appearance. I expected her to focus on that challenge… but no: in parallel with her return to the amateur ranks, she will face Desley Robinson for the unified 160-pound championship.
I’m so happy for her. She has the talent to unify titles, win the Olympics, and beat Claressa Shields… No, I got you there, the GWOAT is unbeatable.
Marie-Pier Houle started boxing too late in the 4th round against Marisol Moreno. Result of that delay: a draw. While I’m sure MPH is a close friend and nothing will change over time, I question what’s next for her. I don’t know if there is a plan or goal moving forward. I imagine a return to a world title shot for a third time, but she will need to string together a few wins.
Kim Clavel experienced an even more emotional day than winning a world title: she gave birth to her son Bradley. My team and I at Punching Grace send our congratulations and best wishes to the family.
