2025: What to Expect in Boxing in Quebec?

By William Dumoulin

Photo Credit: Vincent Éthier - Eye of the Tiger

After a very busy 2024, marked by 18 professional galas held in Quebec, here we are in 2025. With four active promoters now operating in the province, what can we expect from each of them this year?

Eye of the Tiger

Quebec's largest promotional organization hosted 10 galas last year, including two broadcast on ESPN in the United States. In 2025, Eye of the Tiger is expected to continue its momentum with more than 20 boxers under contract, nine of whom are world-ranked, as well as a world champion in Mary Spencer.

The beginning of the year is already packed for the Quebec promoter. A gala is scheduled for February 6 featuring Arthur Biyarslanov as the headliner, followed by another on March 14, headlined by a major local clash between Erik Bazinyan and Steven Butler. Additionally, negotiations are underway for a potential IBF eliminator bout between Christian Mbilli and Kevin Sadjo.

We can therefore anticipate another very active year with exciting international matchups and an increase in local clashes. Camille Estephan aims to emphasize these duels in 2025, with potential matchups such as Thomas Chabot versus Avery Martin Duval, as well as rematches like Bazinyan-Phinn or Butler-Volny, all of which could take place this year.

Finally, the evolution of Eye of the Tiger's broadcasting contract with ESPN+ will be worth following closely, especially with the Top Rank-ESPN deal set to expire this summer.

Groupe Yvon Michel

For GYM, 2024 was described as a rebuilding year, with only five galas, all held at the Montreal Casino. In 2025, the group hopes to bounce back. Their objective: to return Kim Clavel and Marie-Pier Houle to world championship contention.

Currently, only three boxers are under contract with GYM (Kim Clavel, Marie-Pier Houle, and Mazlum Akdeniz). However, several young talents, including Ayoub Maani, Loick Lahaie, Victor Tremblay, and Kirill Bazhenov, could secure contracts depending on their performances in the group’s upcoming galas.

The case of Alexis Barrière will also be closely watched; he could formalize his arrival at GYM and make his debut under their banner as early as this spring.

New Era Promotions

New Era Promotions held only two galas in 2024, but they left a lasting impression. The first featured the Fight of the Year between Jan Michael Poulin and Sébastien Bouchard, while the second marked the triumphant return of Jean Pascal.

In 2025, the promoter founded by Yan Pellerin hopes to continue delivering thrilling local matchups while aiming to bring Jean Pascal back into a world championship fight.

A potential partnership with DAZN is also in the works, which could allow New Era to host a greater number of events.

Canada Fighting Club

In 2024, Canada Fighting Club brought boxing back to the Tohu last September with Jessica Camara’s first WBA Gold title defense.

For 2025, the promoter is starting the year strong with the second edition of its “Revolution” gala series, scheduled for January 31 at the Tohu. This event will feature world contenders Shakeel Phinn and Mathieu Germain.

This year presents an opportunity for Canada Fighting Club to continue building its reputation, showcasing local matchups, and highlighting Quebec’s independent boxers.