Photo: Vincent Ethier – Fun fact: Steven Butler has fought nine Canadians in his career, winning against seven of them. Will he offer us his 10th local fight in 2025?
If I were to sum up Eye of the Tiger Management’s (EOTTM) year in 2024 in one phrase, it would be: “An international vision without neglecting the local.”
Early in the year, my good friend Matt Casavant shared a discussion between Camille Estephan and Eddie Hearn, the head of Matchroom Boxing, where Hearn noted that 60% of his success relies on local fights. This insight proved true in 2024: EOTTM clearly showed a sensitivity to delivering the matchups fans want to see.
With this philosophy in mind, my friend from Punching Grace asked me to create my own list of dream—but realistic—local fights for Punching Grace in 2025. Hard to say no, especially when he’s my main source of income before Christmas…
10. Guerrero vs. Clayton
After his victory over Courtney Pennington last September, ‘Machine Gun’ Guerrero (12-0, 7 KOs) made his ambitions for his career very clear. In February, he’ll compete in his first 10-round fight, and I already have an idea for his second…
According to BoxRec, Guerrero is ranked 44th, while Custio Clayton (20-1-1, 12 KOs) is ranked 64th.
The story sells itself: a clash between Custio and his former promoter EOTTM in a thinly veiled legal rematch. All of Canada would tune in to Punching Grace for this unmissable event.
9. Martin Duval vs. Chabot
Last May, ‘AMD’ (12-0-1, 7 KOs) called out Thomas Chabot (11-0, 8 KOs), and the latter assured me on my podcast that he doesn’t turn down challenges. A duel between the top two fighters in Canada in their division would be ideal.
Why not hold it at the Mario-Gosselin Centre in front of 2,500 spectators? A perfect chance to enjoy another memorable steak at La Face de Bœuf!
8. Biyarslanov vs. Jukembayev
Arthur Biyarslanov (17-0, 14 KOs) is set to face southpaw Mohamed Mimoune soon. If victorious, why not follow up with another high-caliber southpaw? Batyr Jukembayev (23-1, 17 KOs), who has already beaten Mimoune, is ranked 32nd on BoxRec and would be a natural opponent.
Bonus: imagine the drama. Jukembayev could bring Stéphane Larouche on board as his trainer to take on his former promoter, Camille Estephan.
“Former Tiger vs. New Tiger”—a story worthy of a major boxing thriller.
7. Spencer vs. Redmond
For her first WBA world title defense, Mary Spencer (9-2, 6 KOs) could face a credible Canadian challenger like Carolyn Redmond (7-2, 3 KOs). With the rising talent in women’s boxing, this matchup would strike a perfect balance between sporting challenge and national pride.
6. Santana vs. Soumaoro
Mohamed ‘Black Buffalo’ Soumaoro (14-3, 6 KOs) doesn’t know the meaning of “protecting his record.” After a war against Olympian Oreste Velasquez, he deserves a spectacular fight. A clash with Luis Santana (13-0, 6 KOs), who recently delivered what might be the round of the year in Quebec, promises fireworks and the unofficial title of “Fight of the Year in Canada.”
5. Kean vs. Makhmudov
Enough is enough! It’s time for the roof of Quebec boxing to collapse on the ring with Simon Kean (23-2, 22 KOs) and Arslanbek Makhmudov (19-2, 18 KOs). Let Roger Lavergne pull out his best outfit and host this duel in Shawinigan, complete with tailgates and floats along 6th Avenue.
4. Fendero vs. de la Chapelle
Moreno ‘The Soldier’ Fendero (8-0, 6 KOs) is a true bulldozer. Opposite him, The Last Knight Lancelot de la Chapelle (15-1-1, 4 KOs), who has defeated Brandon Brewer twice in Canada, would provide serious opposition. A Beuzeville vs. Besançon duel would showcase two talented boxers on the cusp of their primes.
3. Butler vs. Volny 2
“There’s nothing easier to sell than a rematch.” — Régis Lévesque
Patrice Volny (19-1, 13 KOs), often inactive for no apparent reason, stopped Steven Butler (35-5-1, 29 KOs) last June, but Butler is back and ready to return to the ring. EOTTM has the perfect opportunity to give Butler the chance to avenge his loss before aiming for another world title. For Volny, it’s clearly a great chance to stay active.
2. Bazinyan vs. Phinn 2
“They robbed Shakeel Phinn,” proclaimed Jeff Jeffrey on BPM Sports. While I don’t often agree with him, this time, I also had Phinn ahead on my scorecard.
Shakeel Phinn (26-3-2, 17 KOs) will face Facundo Galuvar to stay sharp in February, while Erik Bazinyan (32-1-1, 23 KOs) looks to bounce back after his honorable defeat to Jaime Munguia. This fight could even launch an epic trilogy between these two warriors.
1. Mbilli vs. Sadjo
This showdown would be THE Fight of the Year, if not the decade. Christian Mbilli (28-0, 23 KOs) and Kevin Sadjo (23-0, 20 KOs), two unbeaten Franco-Cameroonians and heavy hitters, might even have an IBF mandatory spot on the line. With the right setup, this fight could fill all 85,000 seats at Stade de France—or even break the Beterbiev-Smith record at the Videotron Centre.
No matter where it happens, I’ll be there, and I’ve already started renewing my passport to ensure I miss nothing.
Extra
I already mentioned it (HERE), but a duel between Wilkens Mathieu (12-0, 8 KOs) and Brandon Brewer (28-4-3, 12 KOs), or Antonio Napolitano (8-1-2, 4 KOs) with whom he drew twice, would interest me.
Matt Casavant also mentioned that Steven Butler could maybe fight Erik Bazinyan in March. I find it a bit unexpected, if that happen, but I would never say no to a tiger vs. tiger fight…
And you, what fights are you hoping to see in the coming year?
