Photo: Vincent Ethier – Albert Ramirez
World-class boxing is coming to the Casino de Montréal this Thursday, as Eye of the Tiger presents the second edition of its boxing series The Ascent. Headlining the event are two hungry and undefeated fighters: Venezuelan puncher Albert Ramirez (20-0, 17 KOs) takes on Michael Flannery (13-0, 11 KOs), the current Asian light heavyweight champion.
But this ascent won’t be limited to the main event—it will play out across seven bouts. While this marks Olympic boxer Albert Ramirez’s first headliner on Canadian soil, he’s already ranked in the top 5 in the world at 175 lbs.
In the co-main event, WBC Continental welterweight champion Christopher Guerrero (14-0, 8 KOs)—currently ranked in the world’s top 15—could break into the top 10 with a win over Argentine brawler Williams Herrera (17-4, 7 KOs).
Also featured on the card: Arthur “The Wolf” Biyarslanov, aiming for a fifth win in under a year; Olympian Mehmet Unal fighting for his first title; prospects Moreno Fendero and Erik Israyelyan; and Canadian Olympic medalist Wyatt Sanford, making his debut in Quebec.
With all this action, what should fans be watching for? In partnership with Mise-o-jeu and its brand new Mise-o-jeu+ app, Punching Grace asked six experts for their insights.
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Albert Ramirez
“A Warm Main Event”
According to Punching Grace columnist Réjean Tremblay, it’s a privilege to see a fighter of Albert Ramirez’s caliber headlining at the Casino de Montréal.
“To me, it’s a gift. I love his style, and after exchanging a few words with him, I can say Ramirez has that warmth that made us love Colombian champions like Eleider Alvarez and Oscar Rivas,” Tremblay shared.
Currently ranked #3 by the WBA, #4 by both the WBO and WBC, and #5 by the IBF, Ramirez is on the cusp of a major world title shot. A dominant performance against Flannery—right here at the Casino—could be his final stepping stone.
“Do you realize how lucky we are to have this kind of talent right here? As Moose Dupont would say—it’s damn good boxing,” added Tremblay.
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Christopher Guerrero
Guerrero Turns Heads
While Ramirez tops the rankings and the card, Montreal’s Christopher Guerrero will face Williams Herrera in the co-feature. Though earlier in his rise, Guerrero is already generating buzz.
“He reminds me of the days of Lemieux, Ulysse, or Butler. Guys who looked the part, had the talent, and became local and international stars starting from almost nothing… I think Christopher is next,” said Manny Montreal of Talking Boxing.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing Guerrero in action. What impresses me most is how he keeps getting better every fight, even as the opposition gets tougher. His opponent has faced top names—Paddy Donovan, Josh Wagner, Pat McCormack… I can’t wait to compare Guerrero to them,” added Anson Wainwright of The Ring Magazine.
“The must-watch fight is Guerrero vs. Herrera. No doubt. Herrera is, in my view, the toughest test of Guerrero’s young career, and it’s his second 10-rounder in just 3 months! It’ll be interesting to see how he handles the pressure—both from the Argentine and from this pace,” said William Dumoulin of Boxingnews QC.
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Marc Ramsay and Mehmet Unal
Trial by Fire for Unal
Also on the undercard, adopted Montrealer and Olympian Mehmet Unal (12-0, 10 KOs) will fight for the first title of his career—the WBC Continental belt—against Poland’s Jan Czerklewicz (14-2, 3 KOs).
Though Unal will enter as the favorite, Czerklewicz shouldn’t be underestimated. While not a household name, his most notable work has come behind closed doors—in the gym.
“He’s very tough and can take a lot. We know this because he used to spar with Artur Beterbiev in our gym,” trainer Marc Ramsay told Punching Grace exclusively.
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Moreno Fendero
The Future on the Undercard?
Earlier in the evening, 2024 EOTTM Prospect of the Year Moreno Fendero (10-0, 8 KOs) will aim for his third win of the year in an 8-round bout against rugged Latvian Kristaps Bulmeistars (13-3, 5 KOs).
Though “The Soldier” has yet to break into the world rankings, one expert is already convinced of his future—and isn’t afraid to think big.
“I’m telling you now: Moreno Fendero will be the super middleweight world champion in 2030. And with the charisma and that smile in his voice, he’s set to become Quebec’s new fan favorite—Lucian Bute’s successor,” declared Laurent Poulin of Boxingtown Québec.
The bar is set high… but isn’t that the very spirit of an Ascent?
Be the Expert
Join the conversation tonight on Punching Grace’s social media to share your predictions on who will win this Thursday at the Casino de Montréal. Make the June 5 event your Ascension—click the photo below to download the brand new Mise-o-jeu+ app!
