The 175-pound division is currently the most dynamic and strategic in professional boxing… and that’s nothing new!
Light heavyweights have always been my favorite division in professional boxing. The power of heavyweights with the speed of super welterweights. My fascination began with Roy Jones Jr. and has never faded. Quebec has been a powerhouse at 175 pounds for almost 10 years, with names like Adonis Stevenson, Eleider Alvarez, Jean Pascal, and Artur Beterbiev.
Today, Dmitry Bivol holds all the belts in the division—a heavy burden to carry. In fact, he injured his back from lugging around all that leather. He underwent surgery for the injury and will be out of the ring until 2026. The Russian owes a fight to Michael Eifert for the IBF, as well as a trilogy finale to Artur Beterbiev.
Photo: Mikey Williams – Dmitry Bivol
Our very own Artur Beterbiev has no intention of sitting idle in the meantime. He’ll face Alabama’s “Equalizer,” Deon Nicholson, on November 22 in Riyadh, at one of the most stacked fight nights of the year.
“If I’m offered a fight against the Russian monster Artur Beterbiev, I’ll take it.” – David Benavidez
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Artur Beterbiev
Slafkovsky-Caufield-Suzuki or Khataev-Ramirez-Unal
Just like the Canadiens’ top line, things are looking very promising for EOTTM’s top trio. Imam Khataev (#12) has been promised a return to the big stage by Turki, after getting robbed in his fight against David Morrell. Albert Ramirez (#5) is now the mandatory challenger for the WBA title held by David Benavidez. He just dismantled Jerome Pampellone in only 7 rounds — a true feat. Mehmet Unal (#15) is confirmed to be fighting at a casino event in September. As the saying goes, “things come in threes”… expect Camille Estephan to line up a big fight for him before you’re opening your Christmas presents.
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Imam Khataev VS David Morrell
“Albert Ramirez wants David Benavidez [the WBC titleholder]. It would be a war of styles. Mehmet Unal wants Buatsi [Joshua]. That would be pure violence!” – Camille Estephan, President of Eye of the Tiger
The 175-pound division crowned its first champion in 1920, in New Jersey, when Georges Carpentier defeated Battling Levinsky to claim the WBA title.
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Albert Ramirez
Your 175-Pound Calendar
November:
Joshua Buatsi (#7) vs. Zach Parker (#9)
Lyndon Arthur (#27) vs. Bradley Rea (#58)
Daniel Lapin (#31) vs. Troy Jones (#114)
Artur Beterbiev (#2) vs. Deon Nicholson (#30)
David Benavidez (#3) vs. Anthony Yarde (#10)
Coming Soon:
David Morrell (#6) vs. Callum Smith (#4)
In short, the coming months will be decisive for the future of the division.
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Mehmet Unal
On the Podcast
Rapper Frank Bozko becomes the new owner of Club de boxe Buckingham — the club that saw Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse become a world champion and where Alex Gaumont grew up. Thanks to Marcelin, Marie-Soleil, Alex, and Julie for their contributions to boxing. My friend Bozko will proudly carry the torch forward.
Pascal Villeneuve returns to the ring on September 20 at Ottawa’s Hard Rock Café, in a card presented by Tyler Buxton. The main event is world-class, with Sara Bailey taking on Evelin Bermudez, whom we previously saw face Kim Clavel. The IBF and WBO titles will be on the line.
Gatineau’s Audrey Leduc dominated the Canadian championships in Ottawa. She’ll represent Canada at the World Championships in Tokyo in the 100 and 200 meters. She’s part of the Adidas-sponsored athlete team and can be seen alongside Lionel Messi and Patrick Mahomes.
My friend Steve Viera reminds me that the Ottawa Blackjacks wrapped up their regular season with a win and are heading to the playoffs in Canada’s elite basketball league.
