Photo: Vincent Ethier – As many anticipated, Bazinyan-Godoy was the headliner, but Ramirez-Ziyatdinov was undoubtedly the most competitive of the evening.
For better or worse, the January 25th card was one of the most expeditious. With a week of reflection, Punching Grace presents the results and the echoes that followed.
Bazinyan-Godoy: Moving to the Next Level
In the main event, logic prevailed as world title contender Erik Bazinyan (32-0, 23 KOs) made quick work of veteran Argentinian Billi Facundo Godoy (41-8, 20 KOs), whom Marc Ramsay had compared to an octopus in an interview with La Presse.
By winning in 3 rounds, the Lavallois did better than anyone before, including former world champions John Ryder and Vincenco Gualtieri. He also sent a message to the public and his representatives that he is definitely ready to step up in competition, a message received by Camille Estephan.
“We took our time with Erik. We wanted him to gain physical maturity, and tonight, we really saw that he achieved it. He proved he was capable of doing the job. Like we did with Christian Mbilli, we want him to face a top 10 contender, to prove to himself that he can beat fighters of that level before continuing to climb,” said the promoter, promising big fights for his protégé later this year.
Ramirez Arrives, Ziyatdinov Disappointed
In the co-main event, logic also prevailed, but in a different sense, as the duel between EOTTM rookie Albert Ramirez (18-0, 15 KOs) and former “Tiger of Crimea” Artur Ziyatdinov (15-2, 12 KOs) was the most hotly contested of the evening. In the end, Ramirez’s pressure and power paid off, convincing the judges to award him the vast majority of the rounds, even the closest ones, with scores of 100-90, 99-91, and 98-92.
Many observers saw a closer fight, notably Punching Grace analyst Mathieu Casavant, who scored it 96-94 for Ramirez. At least almost everyone agreed that the right fighter won. Naturally, Ziyatdinov expressed his disagreement on social media, believing he deserved a better fate. As for Ramirez, he was satisfied with his Canadian debut but expected more from his next fight.
“I’ve made a lot of changes to my team recently, for the better, but we are still putting everything in place, so you are far from seeing everything I have to offer,” said the Venezuelan, who had his first full training camp in France, where he is now guided by Mehdi Oumiha.
An Insatiable Dragon
Just over two months after fighting and defeating world title contender Miguel Madueno in 10 rounds, Steve Claggett (38-7-2, 26 KOs) returned against brawler Marcos Barraza (23-4, 11 KOs). This time, “The Dragon” didn’t have to stay up as late, as “Papitas” abandoned his pre-fight tough-guy demeanor and remained in his corner after two rounds.
The tireless Albertan, undoubtedly ready for 15 rounds, said he was disappointed not to have been able to work longer. He still acknowledged that it would allow him to return to the ring sooner, against any world title contender who would dare to face him. Not one for flashy call-outs, the WBC #8 super-lightweight contender did respectfully mention that he would like to face Josh Taylor, Jack Catterall, and Ismael Barroso.
Spencer Scares Dreiling
While Claggett took advantage of his evening to secure his 9th consecutive victory, Mary Spencer (8-2, 6 KOs) found her way back to victory. In just two minutes, she hit Sonya Dreiling (6-4, 2 KOs) hard enough to convince her not to wish for a second round, surprising many, including the event organizer.
“Apparently, she just told her corner that Mary hit too hard… but you come here to box, not to do ballet,” illustrated Camille Estephan, somewhat disappointed but above all happy that his protégé was back on track.
“I think it also says a lot about the quality of the boxers we have here,” he added, directly referencing Claggett and Spencer, who completely broke down normally much tougher opponents.
Orobio Remains Perfect
Jhon Orobio (6-0, 6 KOs) maintained his perfect record against Juan Carlos Garcia (5-5), nicknamed the “Demolisher” despite having no KOs on his record. That said, Garcia is usually a solid chin, having completed the full 10 rounds in his previous two visits to Canada.
Without taking anything away from Spencer Wilcox and Eric Basran, “El Tigre” reminded everyone that he is not only one of the brightest prospects in the country but also in the world, demolishing Garcia in two rounds by knocking him down multiple times until Garcia wisely decided to quit.
Always fiery, Orobio will return on March 7, aiming for his 7th victory and 7th KO at the Casino de Montréal.
Mathieu Impresses Again
Wilkens Mathieu (7-0, 4 KOs) was victorious for the second time in 12 days against Oscar Soto Quintana. The pride of Quebec City, where he also fought on January 13, completely pummeled his Mexican opponent, who came in as a replacement for Ivans Levickis just days before the fight.
Like some boxers on the card, the imposing Quintana wasn’t there to do ballet. He absorbed everything Mathieu had to offer until the referee protected him from his own bravery early in the 4th round.
Hoping to fight as often as possible, even mentioning more than “six or seven” fights this year, Wilkens Mathieu will now return on March 7 for his 3rd fight in less than three months.
Fendero Passes the Test
In the opener, in what was expected to be his last four-round fight of his career, Moreno “The Soldier” Fendero (4-0, 3 KOs) passed the test by dismantling Ricardo Lara in two rounds.
The veteran of over 200 rounds of experience and nearly a dozen visits to Canadian soil was simply not strong enough for the soldier. Fendero, who wore his traditional camouflage shorts and a black and pink shirt supporting the fight against cancer, collected his second victory in 12 days, in Quebec City and Montreal. He will also be on the March 7 card for his first six-round fight, an important step, but one that doesn’t change the world in his eyes.
“Anyway, I already train for eight,” said the friendly boxer from Besançon, now residing in Montreal.
AMD Must Wait
The EOTTM team probably had to rush to the printer to get new fight cards, as a tiger was removed on the morning of the 25th.
Heartbreakingly, Avery Martin-Duval withdrew due to a virulent virus that also complicated his dehydration the day before. EOTTM General Manager and former world title contender Antonin Décarie said he “perfectly understands” what his boxer was going through, further adding that the Montreal-based company “will bring him back to the ring as soon as he regains his health.”
