Jean Pascal: In Financial Trouble?

Some will say yes. Others will say it’s one fight too many. One thing’s for sure — Jean Pascal’s return is getting people talking.

Say what you will about him, Pascal has always done what he believed was best… for Jean Pascal. It’s hard to imagine him stepping back into the ring just for the money. He wants to close the chapter the right way — in front of his fans.

The question now is where, when, and against whom. After his last outing, everyone — including Pascal himself — saw that the cruiserweight division isn’t really his home. At 200 pounds, it’s heavy for a man of his frame.

A rematch with Badou Jack would have been perfect: two veterans, plenty of history, and unfinished business. But Jack has settled in comfortably among the cruisers and doesn’t seem interested in revisiting that chapter. Too bad — it would’ve been one hell of a finale to a storied career. In the 168 or 175-pound divisions, the options are thin. Without international TV backing, landing a big-name opponent is highly unlikely.

So, who’s left here in Quebec?

A rematch with Terry Osias? Their first meeting delivered 12 tight rounds with a dramatic ending — shades of Ouellet vs. Hilton, their first clash. But Osias has had health issues and hasn’t returned since. In the short term, that seems doubtful.

Could “The People’s Champ,” Francis Lafrenière, be an option? His “phone booth” style would make for an action-packed, crowd-pleasing fight. The catch is, Lafrenière mostly fought at 160 pounds and is attempting a comeback after nearly six years away. We’ll know more after November 29, when he appears on New Era Promotions’ next card.

Another name that stands out: Shakeel Phinn. He could offer solid opposition — but at what weight? That’ll be clearer after his bout with Wilkens Mathieu on October 30.

And then there’s that idea that’s lingered for years — a rematch with Carl Froch. The two have stayed in touch and have often talked about running it back someday. The stars never aligned… until now, perhaps.

Whatever happens, Jean Pascal’s legacy is already sealed. He filled Quebec arenas fighting legends like Bernard Hopkins, Sergey Kovalev, Chad Dawson, Adrian Diaconu, Lucian Bute, and many more. If there truly is one last dance, let’s hope it reflects who he’s always been — intense, proud, and fighting for his people.

Image: from Jean Pascal’s Instagram post