Alexis Barrière Secures His First Victory Since 2023

By William Dumoulin
Photo Credit: GYM / Alexandra Kavoukis

This Friday, at the Casino Lac-Leamy in Gatineau, Groupe Yvon Michel hosted a gala in association with Matchroom Boxing. In the main event, Mexicans Eduardo Hernandez (37-2, 32 KOs) and Rene Tellez Giron (20-5, 13 KOs) faced off for the WBC mandatory challenger position. Additionally, Alexis Barrière and Derek Pomerleau made their return to the ring after a period of inactivity due to promotional tensions with New Era Promotions.

A Mexican War in the Main Event

In the evening’s main event, Matchroom Boxing’s protégé, Eduardo Hernandez, took on his compatriot Rene Tellez Giron. This bout, fought mostly at close range, went in favor of Hernandez, who stood out with his precision and higher punch volume. He secured the victory by unanimous decision from the judges (119-109, 120-108 x2).

Alexis Barrière Impresses in His Ring Return

In the co-main event, Alexis Barrière (12-0, 10 KOs) faced Mexican heavyweight Ubaldo Ilagor Resendiz (13-2, 12 KOs). Barrière dominated the first two rounds with his jab, but in the third, he absorbed some powerful right hooks from Ilagor. In the fifth round, the Mexican landed a right hand that could have been considered a knockdown for the Quebec fighter. However, Barrière did not waver and responded with several left straights at the end of the round.

He then closed the fight in the sixth round, knocking his opponent down twice. Ilagor chose to retire and did not come out for the seventh round.

This impressive victory could lead Barrière to sign a co-promotion deal with the boxing giant Matchroom Boxing, which is looking to establish itself in Quebec. However, the legal situation with New Era Promotions will likely need to be resolved before such an agreement can be made official.

Pomerleau Victorious in Preparation for the WBC Tournament

In his first fight since September 2024, Derek Pomerleau (11-0, 9 KOs) faced Britain’s Nathan McIntosh (14-4-1, 1 KO) in an eight-round bout. After a relatively quiet start, Pomerleau sent his opponent to the canvas in the sixth round before finishing the fight before the end of the round.

Pomerleau is now expected to compete in the WBC tournament in Saudi Arabia, an event that will bring together the world’s top middleweight prospects. The winner will earn a top-15 ranking with the WBC.

Other Results from the Evening:

• Jelena Mrdjenovich (43-12-2, 19 KOs) defeated Jessica Bellusci (6-4, 2 KOs) by unanimous decision (79-73, 80-72 x2).
• Stephane Fondjo (14-1, 9 KOs) defeated Salim Ben Rejeb (10-13-2, 0 KOs) by unanimous decision (80-72 x3).
• Lee Reaves (13-1, 8 KOs) won by first-round KO against Szabolcs Szabota (2-1, 0 KOs).
• James Hughes (3-0, 2 KOs) knocked out Alexis Heredia (0-2, 0 KOs) in the third round.