Photos: Leah Hennel / COC – Wyatt Sanford is coming. Circle April 10 on your calendar.
I’m writing this during the NHL trade deadline period in Gary Bettman’s league. And one of the ways I navigate life is by imagining everything in hockey terms. Imagine this:
“With their first-round pick, Camille Estephan of the Tigers is proud to select, from Kennetcook, Nova Scotia, boxer Wyatt Sanford!”
But let’s talk about this trade deadline.
We almost had nothing to chew on. Canadiens GM Kent Hughes didn’t make a move. Luckily, Camille Estephan took the lead by announcing the pro debut of my favorite Canadian, Wyatt Sanford.
So, that’s what I’m going to talk about.
“The Kennetcook Kid”
Born on November 3, 1998, Wyatt Sanford established himself as one of Canada’s most promising amateur boxing talents before making the jump to the professional ranks. Nicknamed The Kennetcook Kid or Sandman, Sanford made history by winning a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics in the 63.5 kg (super lightweight) category.
He became the first Canadian boxer to step onto an Olympic podium since David Defiagbon in 1996, ending a 28-year drought for Canada in the sport.
He even managed to eliminate Ruslan Abdullaev and put up a highly competitive fight against the eventual silver medalist, Erislandy Alvarez.
“Hard work beats talent if talent doesn’t work hard.” – Wyatt Sanford
Just like David Lemieux, Wyatt is married to a Canadian Olympic diver, Pamela Ware. He studied criminology and psychology at Saint Mary’s University and aspires to become a police officer after his boxing career.
He will bring a style of boxing to Quebec that we’re not as accustomed to seeing. I’d describe him in three words: hardworking, composed, intelligent – and a southpaw. He will compete in either the 135-pound or 140-pound division under the guidance of his trainer, Vincent Auclair.
“On top of that, he’s one of our own. We want the best in the world, but it’s always exciting when it’s someone from here. He can absolutely become a star.” – Camille Estephan
After the last Olympic Games, Tammara Thibeault and Wyatt Sanford had the world at their feet. The U.S., England, even Asia – they were the ones choosing their promoters, not the other way around. We’re lucky he chose Quebec. Moreover, Sanford could pave the way for Eye of the Tiger’s expansion across Canada. He is incredibly popular in Nova Scotia—when he fights, sports bars are packed, and gatherings happen all over his region.
You can’t go wrong with Wyatt Sanford. He’s a great Canadian with an outstanding amateur career and an exemplary attitude. Add to that a promoter like Camille Estephan, who consistently puts on events and provides enough opportunities for his fighters to progress quickly—it’s a perfect mix.
EOTTM has solid expertise in the 135-140 lb division, and with the presence of Gervonta Davis, Shakur Stevenson, Devin Haney, and Teofimo Lopez, promoters are looking for the next gem to join this elite group.
Wyatt Sanford’s professional debut will take place on April 10 at the Montreal Casino.
On the Podcast
I was very pleased to learn this morning that Mathieu Germain will face Dalton Smith in the main event of a Matchroom-promoted card in Sheffield, England.
I’m also impressed that Dzmitry Asanau will fight his first main event against Francisco Patera, an opponent who has previously challenged Keyshawn Davis and Gary Cully.
A fight announcement for Christian Mbilli is coming soon. My gut feeling tells me he could face Mark Jeffers, an undefeated (19-0) boxer from Lancashire, England.
Photo: Maree Boxing – Mark Jeffers, in camp with Erik Bazinyan who was getting ready to face Jamie Munguia…
