Photo: Vincent Ethier / EOTTM – Dzmitry Asanau
After presenting two title fights last February, Eye of the Tiger returns on April 10 with three championship bouts, headlined by two-time Olympian Dzmitry Asanau, two-time Canadian champion Christopher Guerrero, and super-welterweight world champion Mary Spencer.
The eight-fight event, held at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal, is called Ascension. Will this ascent continue? Which fight should you watch closely? Which fighters are on the radar?
In partnership with Mise-o-jeu and its brand new Mise-o-jeu+ app, Punching Grace asked 7 experts to weigh in.
Main Event & Fight of the Night?
In the main event, 13th-ranked lightweight contender Dzmitry Asanau (9-0, 4 KOs) will defend his WBC Continental Americas title for the first time against former two-time European champion Francesco Patera (30-5, 11 KOs).
Photo: Pierre-Paul Poulin / JDM – Dzmitry Asanau and Francesco Patera
Laurent Poulin / Boxingtown Québec:
“They’re asking me who will win the main event, which will be the fight of the night, and which fight intrigues me the most—but without cutting corners, all of those questions lead to the same man: Dzmitry Asanau.”
“I’m not afraid to say it: Asanau is our very own Lomachenko. His internal computer is lightning fast—feints, footwork, precision, and magic. He’s phenomenal. But… the Belgian has seen it all. He went the distance with Keyshawn Davis, he’ll hang tough, land a few body shots, take advantage of the small Casino ring… but in the end, he’ll fold to the judges.”
Francis Paquin / RDS:
“Dzmitry Asanau is the kind of boxer who doesn’t hesitate to take a punch to land a better one, but Francesco Patera has never been stopped in his career, and that won’t change—although ultimately, Asanau will win by unanimous decision.”
Guerrero: A Rising Star
In the co-main event, Montreal’s Christopher Guerrero, ranked 13th in the world at middleweight (13-0, 7 KOs), will fight for the first title of his career, the WBC Continental Americas belt, against hard-hitting Mexican Oliver Quintana (22-3, 16 KOs).
Photo: Pierre-Paul Poulin / JDM – Christopher Guerrero and Oliver Quintana
William Dumoulin / Boxingnews QC:
“One of the most promising young Quebec boxers, Christopher Guerrero will use his speed and power to knock out his opponent in the 4th round and claim the WBC Continental title, the first championship of his career.”
Matt Casavant / Punching Grace:
“Guerrero has 8 knockouts in his last 9 fights, and you can see real progress. Quintana hits hard, but Guerrero has a huge speed advantage and I think he’ll stop him in the 6th with a left hook.”
World Title at Stake
In a special attraction in the super-welterweight division, former Olympian and current WBA world champion Mary Spencer (9-2, 6 KOs) will defend her title for the first time against former two-time world champion Ogleidis Suarez (31-5-1, 15 KOs).
Photo: Pierre-Paul Poulin / JDM – Mary Spencer and Ogleidis Suarez
Marie-Eve Albert / 120 Secondes:
“Mary Spencer should have an easy time with Ogleidis Suarez, who hasn’t fought often in recent years. Inactivity is a dangerous foe, and despite Suarez’s boxing skills, the lack of high-level rounds will catch up with the Venezuelan. Mary wins by KO in the 8th round.”
Manny Montreal / Talking Boxing:
“Suarez has lost two recent fights—one to Dicaire by decision and one to Green by KO. Her last two wins were also by KO. Given what we know of Spencer too, there’s basically no chance this one goes to the scorecards. Spencer will win before the 8th with a body shot!”
Undercard to Watch
Photo: Vincent Ethier / EOTTM – Jhon Orobio
Francis Paquin / RDS:
“Of course, all eyes will be on Olympic bronze medalist Wyatt Sanford, making his professional debut. There’s always something special about a first fight!”
Matt Casavant / Punching Grace:
Fight to watch – Orobio vs. Aguirre: “Aguirre was in one of Canada’s fights of the year in 2024 vs. Luis Santana. Orobio loves to brawl—no way this one doesn’t deliver!”
Manny Montreal / Talking Boxing:
“Impossible to pick just one—and that’s a great sign! You know Quebec boxing is thriving when the undercard features three undefeated prospects like Gaumont, Fendero, and Orobio, plus the pro debuts of junior amateur world champ Israyelyan and Canadian Olympian Wyatt Sanford…”
Be the 7th Expert!
Join the conversation tonight on Punching Grace’s social media and tell us who you think will win this Thursday at the Casino de Montréal. Make the April 10 gala your own Ascension by downloading the brand brand-new Mise-o-jeu+ app!
