Photo: Vincent Ethier – Christian Mbilli
The boxing world will have its eyes on Quebec this Friday as Christian “Solide” Mbilli (28-0, 23 KOs) faces off against Polish warrior Maciej Sulecki (33-3, 13 KOs) in an interim WBC super middleweight world championship bout at the Centre Vidéotron.
Including the main event, Eye of the Tiger is treating boxing fans to a 10-fight card, starting at 6:00 PM on Punching Grace, featuring no fewer than four title fights.
In addition to Mbilli’s world title clash, the card includes Steven Butler’s rematch, a heavyweight showdown between two powerhouses—Makhmudov and Brown—and title fights for Jhon Orobio, Christopher Guerrero, and Leïla Beaudoin. Wilkens Mathieu, Luis Santana, Wyatt Sanford, and Moreno Fendero will also be in action.
Who to watch? What to expect? What’s at stake?
In collaboration with Mise-o-jeu+, Punching Grace canvassed the boxing world for answers.
Photo: Mikey Williams – Christian Mbilli
Mbilli on the Brink of Glory
Christian Mbilli will finally fight for a world title on June 27! Even if it’s “only” for the interim WBC title, Punching Grace columnist Réjean Tremblay points out that historically, this belt has often been a gateway to the sport’s most prestigious title.
“Depending on the promoter, people’s views vary. Adrian Diaconu won his first title, which was an interim WBC belt, against Chris Henry. Did anyone question Jean Bédard?”
A few months later, Chad Dawson vacated the title and Diaconu’s belt became the full WBC championship. More recently, the same happened to Mary Spencer, who won an interim title against Naomi Mannes and was elevated to full champion when Terri Harper vacated.
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Christian Mbilli against Sergiy Derevyanchenko
The stakes are high. But what can we expect from the fight itself?
“Sulecki is tough. A good technician and very brave,” notes Tremblay, while emphasizing that Mbilli can’t afford any mistakes—and won’t make any.
“It could still be an exciting fight,” he adds, noting Sulecki’s recent win over Akhmadov, which earned him the WBC #7 spot. “But when you’re at the level of a guy like Mbilli—or Iglesias—you have to win these fights.”
Tom Eaton of the UK’s Boxing News Magazine agrees, offering a slightly more specific prediction: “Sulecki will come to fight, but you have to favor Mbilli. I’d say somewhere between rounds five and eight.”
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Steven Butler
A Rare Decision Win for Butler?
Steven Butler (35-5-1, 29 KOs) will try to avenge his loss to Jose de Jesus Macias (29-13-4, 15 KOs) in the co-main event. Back in 2021, in Mexico, Macias shocked fans by stopping Butler in the 5th round.
This time, Macias steps in as a replacement for Erik Bazinyan, who was injured weeks prior. But while “Bzo’s” future remains uncertain, another Quebec pugilist is watching this fight with interest.
“I’d rather get revenge on Erik. But I’d 100% never say no to Butler. And I believe he’ll get his revenge against Macias by decision,” says none other than Shakeel Phinn.
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Erik Bazinyan and Shakeel Phinn
Speaking of Erik Bazinyan, he too sees Butler winning by decision—and hopes to face him afterward. In short, Macias has the chance to derail more than one career path…
Statistically, though, a decision win by “Bang Bang” Butler would be a surprise. He’s only won three 10-round decisions in 41 career fights.
Fight of the Night: A Short One?
Quebec-based Arslanbek Makhmudov (19-2, 18 KOs) will face Ontario’s adopted Olympian Ricardo Brown (12-0, 11 KOs). According to Punching Grace analyst Matt Casavant, this could be the fight of the night.
“With a combined record of 29 KOs in 31 wins, we can almost guarantee an explosive ending. The Lion [Makhmudov] has a more impressive résumé, but Brown is brimming with confidence. Who’ll land clean first? Expect serious fireworks…”
Photo: Mathieu Belanger – Arslanbek Makhmudov and Ricardo Brown
As for a winner? Depends who you ask.
Williams Dumoulin of Boxingnews QC believes both fighters will hit the canvas—but can’t pick who stays down.
We did find a heavyweight expert who made a clear prediction and sent a message to the winner:
“Big ‘Makh’ will win by KO in under 5 rounds. That way he’ll be in top shape when I lay a beating on him,” said none other than Simon “Grizzly” Kean.
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Simon Kean
Beaudoin in Trouble?
When international champion Leïla Beaudoin (12-1, 1 KO) was matched with former interim world champ Elhem Mekhaled (17-3, 3 KOs), Marie-Eve Albert of 120 Secondes called it “a real sin” to miss such an intriguing bout. Her media peers agree.
In fact, Laurent Poulin, from Boxingtown Québec couldn’t find a future winner between the two: “I predict a draw… and a rematch!”
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Leila Beaudoin
In France, excitement is growing. André-Arnaud Fourny of L’Équipe has followed Christian Mbilli and now Moreno Fendero for years. But this event features three French fighters: Adagio McDonald (vs. Mathieu), Sandy Messaoud (vs. Guerrero), and Elhem Mekhaled (vs. Beaudoin). Of the three, he’s most eager to see the Parisian Mekhaled in action.
“Because she seems more than capable of winning,” says the veteran journalist.
The Future Takes the Stage
The gala kicks off at 6:00 PM with super middleweight knockout artist Moreno Fendero (11-0, 9 KOs) facing the experienced Billi Facundo Godoy (41-8, 20 KOs). “I think he has star potential,” says Boxingscene’s American reporter Lucas Ketelle.
Also in action: Jhon Orobio (13-0, 11 KOs) will fight for the vacant WBC continental title (140 lbs) against Slovakian contender Zsolt Osadan (27-3-1, 17 KOs). “EOTTM has many top prospects, but if I had to name one, it’s Jhon Orobio. He improves every fight and has the potential to become a world champion,” says Anson Wainwright of The Ring Magazine.
Photo: Noé Cloutier – Jean-Charles Lajoie and Wilkens Mathieu
Lastly, Wilkens Mathieu (13-0, 9 KOs) will take on Adagio McDonald (8-1, 6 KOs)—another name to watch. TVA Sports host Jean-Charles Lajoie had high praise for him in a recent studio appearance: “He’s spectacular, he punches hard, he sells tickets, and puts on a show. He might be the most exciting boxing prospect in Quebec right now!”
The Best of AND the Future of Quebec Boxing on Punching Grace.
Tune in Friday night to catch Quebec’s top talent on Punching Grace. Click the image below to download the brand-new Mise-o-jeu+ app and get right into the action!
