Barrière’s Challenge in the City of Rocky!

Column – Inside the Matchmaker’s Eye

By Vincent Morin

After a missed opportunity in New York earlier this year due to a biceps injury, Alexis Barrière (12-0-0, 10 KOs) will get a chance to redeem himself this Saturday in Philadelphia, live on DAZN, as part of the undercard of the electrifying Jaron Ennis.

In what will be his second appearance on American soil, the 30-year-old southpaw will square off against Italian Olympian Guido Vianello (13-3-1, 11 KOs) in a 10-round showdown for the WBC Continental Americas heavyweight title.

It promises to be a battle of skill between two tall, mobile fighters with elite jabs.

Vianello, the Man Who Stunned Makhmudov

Standing 6’6”, Vianello is no stranger to Quebec boxing fans. He shocked the local faithful when he stopped Montreal’s Russian-born powerhouse Arslanbek Makhmudov in August 2024, at Quebec City’s Videotron Centre, halting the giant at the end of the eighth round.

In his most recent outing, last April in Las Vegas, “The Gladiator” came up short, dropping a unanimous decision over 10 rounds against American Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr.

A Top Rank prospect, the lanky 6’6’’ Italian brings plenty of experience to the table, with a decorated amateur career and multiple appearances in the World Series of Boxing. This is a legitimate test for the Canadian champion.

Training in Florida

To prepare for the biggest challenge of his career, Barrière has been working under the guidance of Javan “Sugar” Hill in Delray Beach, Florida. His original coach, Marc-André Gauthier of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, has also joined him to provide support.

The injury that sidelined the Quebec fighter is now behind him, and he’s been able to log solid sparring rounds against Russia’s Aleksei Dronov and America’s Alonzo Neal under Florida’s blazing sun.

Predictions

The Barrière-Vianello clash is as intriguing as it gets. On one side, a once-promising contender coming off a tough loss and fighting for his career. On the other, a skilled but often inactive southpaw looking to make a name for himself.

For Vianello, another setback could spell the end of his North American ambitions—at least at the elite level. Expect him to come in sharp and dangerous.

As for Barrière, he’ll be just as hungry, stepping into his first true big-league fight with everything on the line. The question is: will he be mentally ready to face the music in the City of Rocky?

My prediction: a razor-thin battle, with Barrière edging out a split decision—by the skin of his teeth.