WBC Grand Prix Riyadh Season Tournament - Three Canadians Eye Glory

Inside the Matchmaker’s Corner By Vincent Morin Photo : Bernard Breault In less than a week, the WBC Grand Prix Riyadh Season will kick off—a tournament launched by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and broadcast live on DAZN in search of the next generation of stars in professional boxing. The age limit for participants is 26 at the time of registration, and no fighter may have more than 15 pro bouts. A total of 128 fighters across four weight classes (featherweight, super lightweight, middleweight, and heavyweight) will take part in this campaign, which runs from April 17 to 20 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Opening bouts will be scheduled for six rounds, with second-round matchups set for eight, and the championship fight for 10. In case of a draw, an extra round will be added to determine the winner. One unique twist: like in amateur tournaments, boxers won’t know who they’re facing in advance—the matchups will be drawn at random upon arrival in Riyadh. Three Canadians—two at super lightweight (140 lbs), and one at middleweight (160 lbs)—will take their shot at making a name for themselves on this global stage. Super Lightweight (140 lbs) This division typically brings high-level talent, combining speed and power. After analyzing the field, two names stand out as favorites: Mexico’s Misael Cabrera Urias, who brings solid professional experience, and Uzbekistan’s Mujibillo Tursunov, who has performed well in IBA Pro events and boasts a strong international amateur pedigree. Still, two Canadian dark horses could shake things up. Eric Basran (7-0, 3 KOs) – Vancouver, British Columbia A skilled technician with a solid amateur résumé from the Canadian national team, Eric Basran began his professional journey under the Yvon Michel Group (GYM), fighting three times before branching out on his own with bouts in Ontario, Mexico, and back home in B.C. Now coached by former Canadian amateur champion Jonathan Quinit, Basran is fast and instinctive. At 26, tall with a long reach, he’s more naturally a lightweight (135 lbs) than a super lightweight. His lack of punching power and smaller frame for the 140-pound division, along with his limited pro experience, could be obstacles—but his talent may still turn heads. He’s a definite dark horse. Spencer Wilcox (10-0, 5 KOs) – Hamilton, Ontario Ontario native Spencer Wilcox, 25, hails from a boxing family—three of his brothers are also pros. He’s got fast hands and a strong amateur background with Canada’s national youth team. Since turning pro in 2022, he’s fought 10 times—nine bouts in Canada and one in the U.S.—and now trains under Éric Bélanger in Las Vegas. Like Basran, he’s never heard the bell for Round 7. Skill-wise, they’re close—but Wilcox packs more punch. Another legitimate dark horse. Middleweight (160 lbs) A historically glamorized division, the middleweights are stacked in this tournament. Quebec’s Derek Pomerleau is among the frontrunners, but competition will be fierce. Mexico’s Jose Ramon Montes already holds a win over a Sampson Lewkowicz-signed fighter (Juan Macias Montiel), who previously knocked out James Kirkland and went the distance with Jermall Charlo. Australia’s Dylan Biggs brings pro experience and once dropped one of Kostya Tszyu’s sons. France’s Lancelot Proton de la Chapelle is a physically imposing middleweight and the most experienced in the field, with two wins outside Europe. Undefeated Mexican Emiliano Aguillon Castro has gone 10 rounds twice. In this division, a favorable or unlucky draw could change everything. Derek Pomerleau (11-0, 9 KOs) – Mercier, Quebec A southpaw with explosive, fight-ending power, Derek “Slick” Pomerleau enters as one of the top picks in the middleweight bracket. Ranked 27th in the world out of 1,191 fighters on BoxRec, his knockout victory over tough Argentine veteran Marcelo Coceres has painted a target on his back. Trained by Stéphan Larouche, the 24-year-old has stopped nine of his 11 opponents before the final bell. Only twice has he seen Round 6, so it’ll be interesting to see how he handles longer-distance battles. But before thinking long-term, his focus must be on his opening bout—six scheduled rounds in what will be his first professional fight outside of Quebec.

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