Photo: Vincent Ethier – I love witnessing a world championship victory; Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse’s win was particularly moving, especially considering the journey she has been through.
I watch all the Montreal Canadiens’ games, but what really interests me is seeing the team’s construction through the trade deadline, the draft, and the famous July 1st where millions fly around. As for boxing, I like to observe how promoters manage the reign of their champions, especially in the case of a female champion.
“It’s complicated to become a world champion; staying one is even more complicated.” – Confucius (551-479 BC)
After two sleepless nights due to the time change that completely disrupted my circadian rhythm, I reflected on four options for the continuation of VLJ’s reign.
Rematch vs. Vidal
In baseball, there are unwritten rules, like not stealing second base when leading by a grand slam. Similarly, when the title is vacant and won by a split decision, an automatic rematch should be ordered by the sanctioning body. Let’s be honest, the first fight was excessively complicated to judge, and Vidal deserves a rematch. Moreover, Vanessa looked good in the second half and would have the chance here to leave no doubt about her victory. 4500 people at the Slush Puppie Center around September. I’m coming to Gatineau.
Unification vs. Daniels
Lani Daniels, with a record of 10-2-2, is a very talented boxer and holds the IBF title. I love her nickname, ‘The Smiling Assassin.’ I argue that she is less dangerous than the WBC mandatory challenger (read the next point), so here is the perfect opponent. After her IBF championship win against Sequita Hemingway, she’s thinking of retiring or starting a GoFundMe to pay for her IBF championship sanctioning fees. Since then, she has found a promoter, but Camille Estephan certainly has the means to afford this unification fight.
Mandatory defense vs. Perkins
She’s intimidating, and her nickname is ‘New Era,’ despite being 41 years old. She’s a left-hander signed with Marshall Kauffman with a superb amateur career. I would tend to say that she should be avoided at all costs, except that she is the WBC’s No. 1 mandatory challenger and she has no time to waste at her age. I’ll hold my breath if the WBC issues a tender offer in the coming days.
Optional defense vs…
The WBC rankings are so outdated that it’s laughable. There’s a 54-year-old lady, Laura Ramsay, who is ranked No. 6. Laurissa Rivas is No. 5 despite a slight inactivity of 5 years. I would trap the No. 7 Bolatito Oluwole, with a record of 9-0, who has the most inflated record I’ve ever seen in BoxRec history. An easy win and a guaranteed party in Gatineau.
EOTTM has finally found what it has been missing for several years: a belt. Now, the real challenge begins: monetizing this title and, above all, retaining it.
