Photo: Vincent Ethier – 2025 might be the career-defining year of the reigning and defending WBC Continental Americas lightweight champion Dzmitry Asanau (9-0, 4 KOs)…
Michel Nostradamus published his book, *Les Prophéties*, in May 1555. Using a mix of Latin, Greek, and French, he made predictions based on scientific calculations, reaching as far as the year 3787.
To some, he was a fraud; to others, a prophet. As for Laurentdamus, he has been universally accepted since his debut in 2017. My predictions, a mix of scientific calculation and intuition, have come true year after year. Boxing is easy to predict when you’ve thought about nothing else since April 1987.
Here is a series of predictions within my area of expertise: Quebec boxing.
10. Alexis Barrière Will Save Groupe Yvon Michel in 2025
“He’s a great athlete, a boxer with unlimited talent. I’m convinced we’ll be able to support him in achieving his goals,” said the promoter. “Alexis has all the potential to become a major star, not only here in Quebec but also on the international stage.” – Yvon Michel
Training camps with Tyson Fury, the presence of Sugar Hill, a story involving 20 investors, and a five-year plan to make Alexis Barrière a world champion. Yvon Michel, at a young 71, is in great shape. Boxing is cyclical, and all signs point to Groupe GYM’s return to the top being led by Alexis Barrière in 2025.
9. Omar Zaatiti Is the “Next Big Thing”
Zaatiti is only 20 years old but is already ranked 3rd in the world among amateurs. His performance against Wyatt Sanford at just 18 opened the eyes of the entire country. One Thursday in September 2024, during a U.S. vs. Canada competition, he demolished Dustin Jimenez from the U.S. national team.
Trained by Moe Latif, his goal is an Olympic gold medal while gaining professional experience. Following Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, David Lemieux, and Wilkens Mathieu in the interim, Quebec boxing will now thrive on Omar Zaatiti’s punches.
8. Dzmitry Asanau and Arthur Biyarslanov Will Both End the Year as #1 Contenders
I applauded twice when EOTTM announced the signing of Biyarslanov and the Asanau.
Dzmitry Asanau is already taking tough fights and winning them easily. His footwork, movement, and cunning counterattacks are impressive. At 28, Asanau will face major challenges by the first quarter of 2025. My calculation: he’ll be ranked #1, possibly by the WBC, by year’s end.
Arthur Biyarslanov, on the other hand, is a gem at 140 lbs. Already ranked #22 on BoxRec, he’s set to face Mohamed Mimoune. I predict he’ll enter the BoxRec top 10 in 2024 and be ranked #1 contender by one of the four major organizations in 2025.
7. Simon Kean vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov Will Happen
This fight will take place in Shawinigan in September. Camille Estephan and Roger Lavergne will find a way to organize it. A victory could see Simon Kean transition into politics, while Arslanbek Makhmudov cannot afford another mistake.
This duel is reminiscent of the time Kean was set to face Braidwood: everyone knew it would happen, but the timing had to be just right.
6. Mazlum Akdeniz vs. Mathieu Germain in June 2025 During Grand Prix Weekend
The trend of local matchups continues. All my calculations lead to this fight. Mathieu Germain, seeking an international opportunity, will accept Yvon Michel’s idea to face Mazlum Akdeniz.
Mazlum, after defeating Sébastien Bouchard, will aim to retire G-Time in the same fashion. This fight will take place at the Colisée Jean-Béliveau in Longueuil, where Mazlum himself will sell all 2,500 tickets.
5. Camille Estephan and EOTTM Will Sign Two New Prodigies
EOTTM will turn to Russia and Uzbekistan for its next signings.
Bakhodir Jalolov will move to Quebec for his professional career under Marc Ramsay’s training.
Asadkhuja Muydinkhujaev, Olympic gold medalist at 154 lbs, will also join Ramsay’s team.
Top Rank will partner with EOTTM to keep them active on the international stage.
4. EOTTM Is Ready to Dominate at 168 and 175 lbs
With Christian Mbilli, Osleys Iglesias, and Erik Bazinyan, EOTTM is poised to conquer the titles vacated by Canelo.
At 175 lbs, Iman Khataev, Mehmet Unal, and Albert Ramirez are closing in on championship bouts. Albert Ramirez could face Anthony Yarde for the WBO title in 2025.
3. Jean Pascal vs. Badou Jack in May at the Bell Centre
Badou Jack, who recently regained the WBC title at 200 lbs, will give his rival Jean Pascal another chance. I predict a draw—a typical result for Jack.
2. Kim Clavel’s Title Quest in 2025
Kim Clavel will face Evelin Bermudez in a rematch in November 2024 at the Bell Centre, in an event co-promoted with Jake Paul.
1. Artur Beterbiev Will Retire
Before retiring, King Artur will take on Dmitry Bivol in February and David Benavidez later in the year. His retirement will open the road for EOTTM in 2026.
I am confident my predictions will reach an 85% success rate in 2025. Wait and see!
