Photo: Vincent Ethier – For his Montreal return, the ‘Jamaican Juggernaut’ Shakeel Phinn (26-3-1, 17 KOs) is determined to reclaim what’s rightfully his and then some, against Erik ‘Bzo’ Bazinyan (32-0, 23 KOs).
Fresh off a five-win Ontario tour, Shakeel Phinn will make his Quebec return on April 11th, facing off against world contender Erik Bazinyan at the Montreal Casino, with the NABF super-middleweight title at stake, deemed the most important and motivating fight of his career. “For honor,” as written on the poster, he’ll face the task head-on against Bazinyan.
Déjà vu? In part.
His last outing in Quebec, in August 2019, was in the final of a gala at the same Casino. That night, he had won the same NABF belt. Soon after, a pandemic raged, his previous promoter vanished, and his title was declared vacant. That’s when none other than his long-time training partner, Erik Bazinyan, got his hands on the belt, heading towards six title defenses.
For the 7th, ‘Shak’ is back.
“It’s a homecoming for me and also one of the biggest local fights boxing fans have had in a long time, so I’m glad to come back, but also to be part of history,” says the proud Brossard native, riding a five-win streak since signing with Ontario-based promoter United Boxing.
Beware the Gentleman
Outside the ring, Shakeel Phinn is an exemplary role model. His interviews filled with politeness and gratitude speak volumes.
But don’t be lulled by his words. Once in the arena, to paraphrase the good old Conor McGregor, he’s not there to participate but to take over. To do so, knowing Bazinyan since his early days, he’ll know what to bet on.
“I know I hit harder, I’m stronger, and I have better cardio than him. My nickname ‘Juggernaut,’ was given to me because when I start, I don’t stop, and that’s what we’ll see in the ring,” he declares, confident.
Because yes, class and confidence can go hand in hand. At the press conference, Phinn said “may the best man win,” but also said, “I will win, and that’s it.” To quote his opponent Bazinyan: “It’s not arrogance to believe in oneself.”
Old Footballer, Young Boxer
It’s often said, but Shakeel Phinn’s confidence comes in part from believing he’s at the peak of his art at 33. At this age, many athletes start to slow down; some have been practicing their sport for 20 years, others are already retired.
Phinn, on the other hand, is just getting started, at least as a boxer.
“I’m a young 33. I started at 21, so I don’t have a lot of mileage. Initially, I just wanted to train during football’s off-season, so I took boxing classes and loved it,” recalls the former star running back for Champlain College Cavaliers.
“I sparred for the first time after two weeks. I got my ass kicked by a guy weighing 145 pounds while I weighed 210. That’s when I said to myself: ‘okay, I have to go back and learn this sport.'”
Six months later, he made his amateur debut, then turned professional in less than four years, at the age of 25. Since then, he says he’s been taking giant steps every day, hinting that he’ll surprise more than a few people on April 11th.
Rhino on the Loose
On February 16th, Eye of the Tiger held the press conference announcing the event. Several experts reacted to the news, such as Laurent Poulin from Boxingtown Québec, who compared Phinn’s style to that of a “rhinoceros.”
Mathieu Casavant from Punching Grace pointed out that the small ring at the Montreal Casino often favors the pressure fighter; Makmudov, Mbilli, or more recently, Ramirez.
But this time, the advantage goes to side B.
“With a small ring, Shakeel has the means to make it complicated,” he noted.
This spring, the Montreal Casino will have the airs of the Colosseum in Rome. There will be bread, games, and a fierce gladiator locked in with a raging rhinoceros.
It promises to be quite a show.
