Kim Clavel Ends 2024 with a Victory: Event Recap

By William Dumoulin
Photo Credit: Sébastien Jetté – Groupe Yvon Michel

On Thursday, Groupe Yvon Michel wrapped up its transition year with a fifth event at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal, headlined by former world champion Kim Clavel (20-2, 3 KOs) against the seasoned Mexican fighter Mayela Perez (20-28-4, 10 KOs). Here’s a recap of the night.

In the main event, the difference in skill level was evident from the opening bell. The former world champion dominated every aspect of the fight, showcasing superior speed, precision, mobility, and reflexes. Her Mexican opponent, though outmatched, never gave up, but ultimately lost by unanimous decision (100-90 on all three scorecards).

Looking ahead, Clavel hinted that her next fight, or the one after, could see her return to a title bout. The Quebec native is open to competing either in her current weight class of 108 pounds or moving down to the 105-pound division. It’s worth noting that in the 105-pound category, three of the four titles are currently vacant following the retirement of undisputed champion Seniesa Estrada.

In the co-main event, Marie-Pier Houle (11-1-2, 3 KOs) aimed to close out 2024 on a high note after her draw in June at the previous Groupe GYM event. She faced French boxer Anissa Benyoub (7-5, 0 KOs). Focusing more on technique compared to her last fight, Houle decisively won, with the judges scoring it 99-91 and 98-92 twice. Houle now appears poised for a world title shot in her next outing, with several welterweight champions as realistic opponents.

Ukrainian refugee Kirill Bazhenov (1-0, 1 KO), now based in Montreal, made his professional debut, giving Quebec fans their first look at him. Having learned French in just a few months after arriving in Quebec, Bazhenov faced Alex Gagnon (0-2-1, 0 KOs) from Chicoutimi, who was coming off a draw in September against Maxime Lepage. This four-round super featherweight bout ended with a spectacular second-round knockout victory for Bazhenov.

Sherbrooke’s own Loick Lahaie (1-0, 0 KOs) also made his professional debut against Ukrainian-Canadian Ruslan Burma (0-1, 0 KOs), who was fighting his first pro bout as well. In a strong technical performance, Lahaie secured a unanimous decision win (40-36 on all scorecards).

Kicking off the night, Facson Perrine (1-0, 1 KO) stepped into the ring for his pro debut against Drew Stuve (1-1, 1 KO) from Edmonton, in a four-round cruiserweight contest. Perrine claimed victory by TKO in the fourth round after Stuve was sent to the canvas, prompting the referee to stop the fight.

Groupe Yvon Michel is gearing up for a big year in 2025. The next event is already scheduled for Thursday, January 30, once again at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal. Moreover, world title fights are in the works for both Kim Clavel and Marie-Pier Houle.