Photo: Vincent Ethier – In his last fight, Erik Bazinyan secured EOTTM’s KO of the year in 2023 against Ronald Ellis. Will he pick up where he left off in 2024?
Boxing is more alive than ever in Quebec. After breaking the attendance record at the Videotron Centre on January 13 with 10,031 spectators for Beterbiev-Smith, EOTTM returns to Montreal for a second gala in less than two weeks. Headlining is Bazinyan-Godoy, along with seven other quality matchups at the Casino on January 25. As the evening’s broadcaster, Punchinggrace.com presents its humble predictions.
Bazinyan vs. Godoy
Final: Erik Bazinyan (31-0, 22 K.O.), now ranked in the top 5 of each federation, steps back into the ring against Billi Facundo Godoy (41-7, 20 K.O.). If he wants to prove he belongs to the elite, “Bzo” must flawlessly face the Argentine. However, Godoy is not to be underestimated, having gone 10 rounds with John Ryder and more recently 12 with former middleweight champion Vicenzo Gualtieri. Would anything less than outperforming these two ex-champions be a disappointment?
Prediction: Bazinyan is on another level than Godoy, hits harder than Ryder, and is bigger than Gualtieri. He will outperform anyone before – Bazinyan by K.O. in 4 rounds.
Ramirez vs. Ziyatdinov
Semifinal: A local showdown here, a favorite of Boxingtown Quebec. World light heavyweight contender Albert Ramirez (17-0, 15 K.O.) makes his long-awaited debut in Quebec after signing with the tigers last year. Initially set to face Charles Foster in a WBA elimination bout, Ramirez now squares off against Montreal’s Artur Ziyatdinov (15-1, 12 K.O.), a former EOTTM protege now with Three Lion Promotions. Will he spoil the plans of his former bosses?
Prediction: Ziyatdinov fears no one, even sparring with Artur Beterbiev during preparation for Callum Smith. He’ll show heart and win some rounds, but in a 10-round bout, the Colombian will eventually take control – Ramirez by unanimous decision (98-92).
Claggett vs. Barraza
Steve Claggett (37-7-2, 25 K.O.) vs. Marcos Barraza (23-3, 11 K.O.): Steve Claggett enjoys fighting and seems to improve with each bout. Instead of waiting for a significant fight in spring, why not stay active against a respectable opponent? Claggett is coming off a triumphant 10-round war against world contender Miguel Madueno. It’s a chance for him to make additional adjustments with his cornerman Mike Moffa, aiming for a 9th consecutive victory.
Prediction: Claggett will set the pace from the start as he does so well. He’s ready for any elite opponent willing to face him, and in the meantime, Barraza will feel the consequences – Clagget by K.O. in 5 rounds.
Spencer vs. Dreilling
Mary Spencer (7-2, 5 K.O.) vs. Sonya Dreilling (6-3, 2 K.O.): After two unsuccessful attempts against Femke Hermans, Mary Spencer is back on the hunt for a world championship fight. The first step? Facing a tough Alabamian who has also honed her skills in bare-knuckle fighting. Can Spencer secure her first victory and K.O. in over 15 months?
Prediction: With a second consecutive training camp with Samuel Décarie-Drolet in her corner, Mary Spencer will be in better shape than ever. While Hermans may have found the key to Caramilk, Dreilling hasn’t. She’ll be in Spencer’s face throughout the fight, and 16 months later, the Canadian will remind everyone of her extraordinary punching power – Spencer by K.O. in the 7th round.
Martin-Duval vs. Adorno
Avery Martin-Duval (10-0-1, 6 K.O.) vs. Jesus Gomez Adorno (6-0, 2 K.O.): The native of Hawkesbury returns to the ring after seven months, kept out by a shoulder injury. Despite inconsistent performances in 2022, the 22-year-old athlete had a strong comeback in 2023, scoring two spectacular K.O. victories under his new trainer Lentz Lundy. Can he pick up where he left off against another undefeated boxer in his early twenties who has already caused surprises?
Prediction: The adopted Quebecer will be determined and hungry to remind everyone why his nickname is ‘The Future.’ Also, he’ll be in excellent health this time and better than ever – Martin-Duval by K.O. in the 4th round.
Orobio vs. Garcia
Jhon Orobio (5-0, 5 K.O.) vs. Juan Carlos Garcia (5-4): According to many, Jhon Orobio is one of the most promising international prospects who settled in Quebec in recent years. He’s fast, extremely mobile, and has impressive punching power for a 135-pounder. Garcia, on his third visit to the country, has gone the distance in 4 rounds with Spencer Wilcox and 6 rounds with Eric Basran. Can Orobio do better?
Prediction: Orobio has enormous potential; it remains to be seen if he fulfills the promises associated with him. However, he already demonstrates a level seemingly superior to his Canadian counterparts, and against Juan Carlos Garcia, that will be enough – Orobio by K.O. in the 2nd round.
Mathieu vs Quintana
Wilkens Mathieu (6-0, 3 KOs) v. Oscar Soto Quintana (6-4, 2 KOs): A second fight in 12 days for Wilkens Mathieu with what will also be his second 6-round fight in his career. Will he need it against a last-minute opponent?
Prediction: Initially, Ivans Levickis (36-44, 22 KOs) who was to face Mathieu. The profile changes, but the challenge remains interesting. By strength of numbers, the Latvian had obviously faced better opposition, including some world-class boxers. However, the vast majority of them were in the neighborhood of 140 pounds. Although largely less experienced, his Mexican replacement is younger (24 years old compared to 31) and much more physically imposing, having won his last fight at 185 pounds. However, this will also do Wilkens a favor, who will now only have to cut up to 174 rather than 170 pounds. Once the weigh-in is over, “Nino” will be tough, but the more diligent training (and talent) of the Quebecer will make the difference the further the fight progresses – Mathieu by KO. in the 4th round.
Fendero vs. Lara
Moreno Fendero (3-0, 2 K.O.) vs. Ricardo Lara (22-11-2, 10 K.O.): Like Mathieu, this is Fendero’s second fight in 12 days, once again as the opening bout. Similar to Mathieu, the Montrealer from France will face an opponent who has fought a bit everywhere between 130 and 170 pounds. In a bout scheduled at 164, another marked advantage in terms of physical strength can be expected, especially from an athlete like ‘The Soldier,’ relying on athletic abilities well above average. Nonetheless, Lara is no novice. ‘Riky’ has fought SIX times in Canada: against Mathieu Germain, Tony Luis, Batyr Jukembayev, Sébastien Bouchard, Jessie Wilcox, and Vlad Panin. He even went up against Bouchard…
Prediction: Lara is a veteran, tough, and durable, but weight and talent will once again make the difference. Fendero, on the other hand, seems to be making giant strides from one fight to another; one might even expect this to be his last 4-round fight in his career. He will pass this ultimate test with flying colors and more – Fendero in the 1st round.
