The names of several Tigers have been constantly mentioned in the media lately. Whether it’s the WBC world champion Christian Mbilli, the dangerous Osleys Iglesias, or “The Lion” Arslanbek Makhmudov, the spotlight is on them these days, as they say in English.
As a result, some very good fights have recently flown under fans’ radar. Yet the matchups taking place on the undercard of the March 5 gala could prove to be pivotal moments in certain Tigers’ careers.
We all know the main event promises to be explosive—when Steven Butler headlines a card, it rarely isn’t. And most Montreal fight fans are well aware of that. It’s no coincidence that all the tickets have already been snapped up. Fans are in for quite a show.
So here are a few fights that may have slipped past your radar but could carry major importance for what comes next.
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Christian Mbilli
Steve Claggett (39-8-2, 27 KOs) vs. Rashield Williams (14-3, 11 KOs)
First, Steve Claggett will be stepping back into the ring for the first time since October 17, 2024. That marks more than a year of inactivity for the Calgary native—a fighter who, it’s worth remembering, delivered a very competitive bout against Teofimo Lopez earlier that same year.
He was scheduled to face Jamaine Ortiz in August 2025, but a shoulder injury got in the way. It was a golden opportunity to showcase himself to the American audience and prove that he truly belongs among the elite.
Now 36 years old, time is not on his side. If he hopes to contend for major honors, he’ll need to move quickly.
His opponent may not be well known among Quebec boxing fans, but he’s the kind of fighter who makes for a solid comeback bout. He has never been stopped, and two of his three losses came by split decision—both against previously unbeaten opponents. So no one should expect a fighter who folds easily.
Of course, Claggett shouldn’t have too much trouble securing the win, but fans will still have plenty to enjoy. “The Dragon” always knows how to light up an arena. He may not be the biggest puncher, but his relentless output and endless cardio are the perfect recipe for fireworks. There’s really no ideal game plan against Steve Claggett—more often than not, opponents end up breaking down whether they want to or not.
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Steve Claggett
My prediction: Claggett wins by KO or corner stoppage in the 7th round.
Moreno Fendero (13-0, 10 KOs) vs. Shawn McCalman (17-1, 8 KOs)
Next, Moreno Fendero will face what is very likely the biggest test of his career so far—at least on paper.
This will be his second 10-round fight, and it’s worth noting that the first one gave him a few problems. That being said, “Le Soldat” is capable of great things, and he has already proven that in the past. Let’s just hope it’s that version of the Frenchman that shows up on fight night, because Shawn McCalman is no easy assignment.
The American boxer may not have defeated elite-level opponents, but he has handled business against everyone put in front of him. His only loss came at the hands of Diego Pacheco, a fighter well known throughout the boxing world.
And for those wondering, that fight was extremely competitive—one judge even awarded him four of the ten rounds.
Moreno definitely has the tools to beat McCalman, but he’ll need to take him very seriously. If Fendero expects a walk in the park, he could be in for a tough night.
My prediction: Moreno Fendero wins by unanimous decision, 97-93.
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Moreno Fendero
Jhon Orobio (16-0, 14 KOs) vs. Yomar Alamo (22-5-1, 13 KOs)
That brings us to Jhon Orobio, who may also be facing the biggest challenge of his career.
In his most recent outings, “El Tigre” has shown fans that he didn’t come to Montreal to joke around. The way he’s been performing, it almost looks like he could beat anyone. The only question mark may be the level of opposition he has faced so far.
Unfortunately for him, he’s had some bad luck. On a few occasions, opponents were forced to withdraw just before fight night, leaving him to face lower-caliber replacements who accepted the bout on short notice.
This time, however, he’ll be up against a seasoned veteran who has shared the ring with world-class fighters.
Among them are Liam Paro, Richardson Hitchins, Delante Johnson, Jamaine Ortiz, and Breyon Gorham.
It’s true that Alamo lost those fights, but he pushed Liam Paro to a split decision, went eight rounds with Hitchins, and went the distance with the other three.
Orobio shouldn’t struggle to win this fight—but what will truly matter is how he wins it. If he manages to do better than the others did, we could be witnessing the young Colombian’s true coming-out party.
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Jhon Orobio
And in the smaller ring at the Casino de Montréal, it’s very realistic to think he’ll be able to do just that.
My prediction: Jhon Orobio wins by KO in the 4th round.
Lenar Perez (15-0, 14 KOs) vs. Isaac Chilemba (27-10-3, 11 KOs)
Finally, in the co-main event of the evening, Lenar Perez will make his debut with the Montreal-based stable Eye of the Tiger Management. Clearly, the team wants to find out right away what he’s made of.
Perez arrives in Quebec with 15 professional fights under his belt. Aside from his most recent outing—a split decision win—he has always found a way to impose himself by knockout.
His opponent, however, Isaac Chilemba, is a seasoned veteran known for his durability. His record may not look the most glamorous, but he has faced elite competition across multiple weight classes.
He has gone the full 12 rounds with fighters such as Osleys Iglesias, Dmitry Bivol, Sergey Kovalev, and Eleider Alvarez.
Chilemba is highly experienced and never backs down from a challenge. For Perez, a stoppage win inside ten rounds would send a strong message to the entire boxing world.
And if he manages to do so, his next fight will very likely be against a very credible opponent.
My prediction: Lenar Perez wins by unanimous decision, 98-92.
Photo: Facebook – Lenar Perez
