Montreal, Tuesday September 15th 2009 – Only 10 days separated from his first defense of the prestigious WBC World Light Heavyweight, young gun Jean Pascal (23-1-0, 15 KO) will meet with the media this morning during a press conference at Houston’s Restaurant in Laval. Jean is extremely satisfied with how preparation went for this Bout. “I did everything that needed to be done to keep the Green belt around my waist next Friday night. I cut no corners, and training camp was excellent. I will be very surprised if my opponent stays standing for the full 12 rounds” stated Jean, more confident than ever. His trainer, Marc Ramsay, did not disagree! “Jean has gained an enormous amount confidence and maturity since winning the World title. In my opinion, his preparation is actually superior to the one that beat Diaconu last June”.
FIGHT TO BE STREAMED ALL OVER THE WORLD (EXCEPT CANADA)
This tremendous fight will streamed all over the world on the world's number-one fight streaming website, www.gofightlive.tv for a suggested retail price of $9.95. The whole card will be streamed. "This is the type of fight we want to bring to the fans", said David Klarman, vice-president of www.gofightlive.tv "I hear everyday from fans that they arent able to view some of the fights from certain parts of the globe and now we are bringing this fight to everyone. Jean Pascal is an emerging star and boxing fans should tune in to see this fight against Branco who is one of the toughest fighters in the Light Heavyweight division."
Branco arrives Saturday:
Jean’s opponent, WBC #1 rated Mandatory challenger Silvio Branco (59-9-2, 36 KO), will arrive with his Team from Italy this Saturday. Branco will also come prepared, having set up training camp for the last 2 months with fellow Countryman and WBC Cruiserweight champion Giacobbe Fragomeni (26-1-1, 10KO). Branco was shocked at the victory of Pascal over Diaconu but remains unimpressed with the Laval born Champion. “I fought the majority of my most important fight in hostile territory and nobody has or will ever intimidate me. Pascal has some strengths but is far from my experience level. I am convinced I will return back to Italy with the shiny green belt”.
Adrian Diaconu will be an interested spectator:
Adrian Diaconu (26-1-0, 15KO) is back in Montreal after a much needed vacation with his family back in Romania. He has already begun training for a rematch with Pascal that, if all goes well, could take place December 11th at the Bell Centre. He will be one of Pascal’s biggest fan in his fight against Branco. “I admit that Pascal surprised me last June but the fight was much closer than he thinks. The difference in the fight was one or two rounds out of the full 12. Next time I will not over estimate him. I wish him a win vs. Branco so that we can settle the score”.
The return of Adonis Stevenson:
Undercard bouts for the « Ultimo Tango in Montreal » Gala are all set, and all of them promise action! Montrealer Adonis « Superman » Stevenson (12-0-0, 9KO) will lace up the gloves in the main supporting bout of the evening against Commonwealth and WBC Caribbean Champion Jermain « Choo Choo » Mackey (18-3-0, 14KO) in a Super Middleweight fight for one of the most difficult minor belts to hold and defend; the WBC International title. Stevenson returns from a 3-week training camp in Germany where he served as WBA 168 lb champion Mikkel Kessler’s (42-1-0, 32 KO) sparring partner. Stevenson has not boxed in over a year due to injuries but is now extremely motivated to make a run up the super middleweight latter. “Those rounds of sparring with Kessler made me realize I can any 168 pounder!” states Adonis. Mackey will be boxing in Quebec for the second time in his career, looking to avenge a 12 round decision loss to Jean Pascal in 2006 in his last visit.
A challenge awaits Sebastien Demers:
World rated Mascouche born Sebastien « Double Trouble » Demers (28-2-0, 10KO) will also box on the card, but will be facing a major challenge in front of talented American fighter Henry « Sugar Poo » Buchanan (17-2-0, 12KO). Demers put in some excellent rounds as Pascal’s sparring partner and declares himself in tip top shape for this challenge. “I know Buchanan is a good fighter but the rounds I put in with Pascal will be the determining factor”. This will be yet another super middleweight bout for Demers, who feel more comfortable at that weight.
Whittom vs Handy: An interesting rematch
Quebec native David Whittom (10-9-1, 6KO) and adopted Montrealer Carl « Kojak » Handy (23-7-2, 12KO) fought a furious bout in 2006. Handy won by majority decision. It is only fitting they do it again, for the benefit of a larger audience this time.
Bizier and Cote, Quebec City’s best crop of young talent:
The two most talented young fighters hailing from Quebec City, Kevin Bizier (5-0-0, 3KO) et Pier-Olivier Côté (7-0-0, 5KO), will round off the card in separate bouts and will both try to keep their undefeated records alive. Bizier will face Jose Leonardo Corona (8-9-0, 6KO) from Mexico and Cote will face his toughest challenger yet, Leonardo Rojas (8-8-3, 2KO) of Montréal, who fought bravely in decision losses to Antonin Decarie and Benoit Gaudet.
GYM and InterBox are very proud with the quality of this Gala. “All fights of this prestigious Gala will be spectacular and exciting. We are preparing for a magnificent evening” states the President of GYM, Mr. Yvon Michel. “We are extremely happy to be associated with this Gala and just like Adrian, we wish Jean a great victory so we can get to work immediately on the December 11th rematch” states Jean Bedard, President of InterBox.
Tickets are available at the Bell Centre Ticket Office by dialing 790-2525, 1-877-668-8269 or by visiting www.geg.ca. Tickets are also available at Club de boxe Champion by calling 514-376-0980. For Group Sales and other info please call 450-645-1079 or visit www.interbox.ca.
