Photo: Vincent Ethier – Christian Mbilli walking to the ring at the Videotron Centre to face Sergiy Derevyanchenko.
Since discovering boxing, I’ve always been fascinated by the moment of the ring walk—and the music that accompanies it. Growing up, my generation followed Lucian Bute, who always entered to Where the Streets Have No Name by U2. I also think of David Lemieux, who often walked out to Charles Aznavour’s songs or even Christmas carols like Little Drummer Boy during the holiday season.
As the year wraps up, I thought it would be fun to step outside the usual and play cultural journalist by sharing my favorite musical moments from the ten galas presented by Punching Grace this year.
10. Shot Me Down – Steven Butler
Let’s start with a classic. In November, Steven “Bang Bang” Butler chose Shot Me Down by David Guetta and Skylar Grey for his return bout against Fernando Farias.
It was a return to form for the Montrealer, who has used this song multiple times throughout his career but had set it aside for a few fights.
The 2014 track is a remake of Bang Bang by Cher, released in 1966 and also famously covered by Nancy Sinatra that same year.
FULL SONG (HERE).
9. Hard Work – Moreno Fendero
Few songs embody the spirit of boxing—and the athlete—quite like Hard Work.
This 2011 U.S. Army Airborne military chant was Moreno “The Soldier” Fendero’s choice for his March fight against Nicolas Palacios.
For those who remember, the song also gained mainstream popularity in 2013 when it was featured in a major Gatorade ad campaign.
FULL SONG (HERE).
8. Love Me Again – Christopher Guerrero
In January, at the Videotron Centre, Christopher Guerrero defeated Sergio Herrera by unanimous decision. Despite his relatively comfortable win, he admitted he “didn’t like” his performance at all.
Moreover, he faced external criticism, notably from former boxer and ESPN analyst Tim Bradley Jr., who questioned his punching power and stamina.
It was almost poetic, then, to see Guerrero walk out to John Newman’s Love Me Again on May 25. Minutes later, at the Centre Gervais Auto, he stopped American Kenny Larson in the first round, earning the knockout of the night.
FULL SONG (HERE).
7. Superstar – Wilkens Mathieu
On January 13, just days after turning 19, Wilkens Mathieu fought in Quebec for the first time in front of thousands of fans at the Videotron Centre.
It’s rare, even outside Quebec, to see so many people arrive early to support an undercard fighter. What better way to be welcomed as a hero than with Superstar by Lupe Fiasco and Matthew Santos?
Although Wilkens changes his walkout song for every fight, fans of combat sports will recognize this track as a favorite of UFC superstar Sean O’Malley.
FULL SONG (HERE).
6. Medal – Moreno Fendero
Among themed ring walks, this one is a favorite.
Medal was composed by WWE’s Jim Johnston in the 1990s and popularized by Olympic champion and legendary wrestler Kurt Angle.
Fendero used it several times to close out the year, including during his October fight at Casino Lac-Leamy, where he demolished Pavel Albrecht.
FULL SONG (HERE).
5. Many Men – Steven Butler
Produced by 50 Cent in 2003, this track set the stage for Steven Butler’s March 7 fight.
The song tells the story of a man who survives an attempt on his life—a fitting choice for Butler, as many doubted he could beat Steve Rolls.
In the end, Butler’s performance against Rolls lived up to his nickname, “Bang Bang,” delivering an explosive result.
FULL SONG (HERE).
4. Now We Are Free – Guido Vianello
I’m a fan of Gladiator, so hearing its theme song by Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard was a highlight.
Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello made his entrance wearing a gladiator mask for his fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov.
Even as someone who often tunes out foreign fighters’ ring walks, I vividly remember this one—it was clear Vianello wasn’t just there to pick up a Nordiques jersey.
FULL SONG (HERE).
3. Hero – Osleys Iglesias
This was perhaps the most unexpected choice since David Lemieux and his Christmas carols. Osleys “El Tornado” Iglesias, one of the most feared boxers on the planet, walked out to Mariah Carey’s Hero.
But there was a heartfelt reason behind it.
When Iglesias decided not to return to his native Cuba in 2019, he promised his mother he would become the undisputed super middleweight champion before seeing her again. As he continues that quest, he chose his mother’s favorite song for his ring walk.
FULL SONG (HERE).
2. Conquest of Paradise – Alexandre Gaumont
Vangelis’ Conquest of Paradise holds a special place in Quebec boxing history, having been used by Stéphane Ouellet.
Today, Alexandre “King Cogne” Gaumont carries on the tradition. In October, he received a hero’s welcome at Casino Lac-Leamy for his first main event.
FULL SONG (HERE).
1. 300 Violin Orchestra – Christian Mbilli
This is the song for Christian ‘Solide’ Mbilli.
Much like Ouellet and Gaumont, Mbilli has turned Jorge Quintero’s 300 Violin Orchestra into a signature anthem, electrifying the Videotron Centre with every step to the ring.
FULL SONG (HERE)
Honorable Mention
No musical review would be complete without mentioning Abdullah Mason’s August walkout to Dégénérations by Mes Aïeux. Even La Presse took note of his choice, which perfectly set the stage for his impressive performance against Mike Ohan Jr. Moments like these confirm Mason’s bright future in the sport. FULL SONG (HERE).
