By William Dumoulin
Photo credit: Yvon Michel Group
The Yvon Michel Group is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. For the occasion, 3 boxing galas will be presented at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal. Here is a summary of the first gala in this series, featuring Mathieu Germain this Thursday.
In the final of the event, IBF number 10 contender Mathieu Germain (24-2-1, 9 KOs) faced a last-minute replacement opponent, Slovakian Zsolt Osadan (26-2-1, 17 KO). Despite little preparation time, the latter gave the Quebecer a good challenge with his aggressive and unorthodox style. Germain, however, won the fight quite clearly, as reflected in the judges' cards (100-90, 99-91 and 98-92). For the future, Mathieu mentioned absolutely wanting the big fight abroad as quickly as possible to have the chance to represent Quebec internationally by facing the elite of the division.
In the semi-final, Tokyo Games Olympian Caroline Veyre (7-0, 0 KO) faced Agustina Rojas (8-7, 0 KO). This women's duel was not very competitive. Caroline dominated from start to finish, winning a unanimous decision (80-72 X 3). She expects to go 10 rounds in her next fight and believes that within 5 fights, she will be ready to face the elite of her division.
One of the best prospects in Quebec boxing, Derek Pomerleau (7-0, 5 KO), returned from a 5-month absence from the ring against Milan Ganoska (5-3-3, 3 KO). As usual, the Quebec left-hander amazed us with an explosive performance, winning the fight by abandoning his opponent in the first round. The latter expects to do an 8-round fight in his next fight, which should take place on April 4.
After a loss in a Canadian championship fight, Repentigny slugger Kevin Menoche (8-1, 5 KOs) tried to rebuild his life as he boxed in a 6-round fight against Kristian Dzurnak (4-6-2, 2 KOs). ). Sending his opponent to the mat 5 times, Menoche ended up winning in the 4th round by TKO.
In a 4-round fight, Quebec hopeful Theo Owusu (3-0, 2 KO) faced Marek Poncik (1-1-1, 1 KO). Theo wasted no time, winning the fight by TKO in the 1st round with an excellent body shot.
As mentioned previously, this gala was the first in a series of 3 which will be presented at the Montreal Casino by the Yvon Michel Group. The second will take place on April 4, featuring former WBC world champion Kim Clavel (17-2, 3 KO). The third will take place on May 16 with Mazlum Akdeniz (19-0, 8 KO) as the main attraction.
