Eye of the Tiger reflects on an incredibly positive year in 2023, highlighted by the international prominence of its athletes and the significant rise of some of them in the world rankings.
The Montreal-based organization, awarded the title of Promoter of the Year for the second year in a row, is also delighted to have successfully staged all of its events to sold-out audiences, featuring exciting matchups that have left a lasting impact on boxing history. Quebec.
Occupying the top of the super middleweight division just behind Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez, Christian Mbilli (25-0, 21 KOs) and Erik Bazinyan (31-0, 22 KOs) turned in notable performances in 2023, further solidifying their positions worldwide. classifications. Mbilli, currently ranked first in the WBC and WBA, third in the IBF and fifth in the WBO, continued his rise by engaging in a relentless battle against Ecuadorian power puncher Carlos Góngora on March 23 at the Casino de Montreal. This fight, already rated 5 stars by Boxrec, is now hailed as an iconic fight by several experts. Footage of this match, especially those from the eighth round, circulated around the world, raising Mbilli’s name around the world. It was just the beginning, as the adopted Quebecers once again wowed the crowd in October, this time at the Lac-Leamy Casino, securing another devastating KO victory against American Demond Nicholson in the fourth round. This performance reaffirmed that no matter who stands in the way of the nicknamed “Solide,” none are strong enough to stop him from achieving his ultimate goal of a world championship.
Similarly, Erik Bazinyan, ranked #2 in the WBA, #3 in the WBC and WBO, and #4 in the IBF, electrified the audience in his final fight of the year in October. After a press conference and weigh-in where Ronald Ellis did his best to provoke him, Bazinyan let his fists do the talking in the ring by stopping the American in the sixth round. Nicknamed “Bzo,” he sent a clear message to the super middleweight division, becoming the first to stop Ellis so early in a fight, easily outpointing David Benavidez, the current WBC interim champion, who took 11 rounds to make the job.
Arslanbek Makhmudov (18-1, 17 KOs), who peaked at No. 3 in the WBC, No. 4 in the WBA, and No. 7 in the IBF, experienced a year of major milestones in 2023. It marked his debut on the American stage. with an impressive second round victory over boxer Raphael Akpejiori, previously undefeated in 15 fights. Later he had the opportunity to fight on two of the most important boxing cards in recent years, in Saudi Arabia, against Junior Wright and then against Agit Kabayel in October and December. Although this last fight resulted in his first loss, it was against the elite, on the biggest stage. Showing immense courage despite two major hand injuries, the “Lion” promises a strong comeback in 2024.
During the first of these events held in Riyadh in October, Simon Kean also fought bravely against former champion Joseph Parker, who would defeat Deontay Wilder less than two months later. Beyond the results, Eye of the Tiger’s participation in these two immense events, with Tyson Fury against Francis Ngannou and Anthony Joshua against Otto Wallin, represents an important turning point in the history of the Montreal-based company. It is in a way the culmination of more than 10 years of tireless work, not only revitalizing Quebec boxing but also taking an international turn.
To make this possible (continue to offer quality events, spectacular fights and maintain a strong presence on the international stage), Eye of the Tiger places special emphasis on recruiting and developing its athletes. Thanks to the efforts of the team and especially its Development Director, Marc Ramsay, the Montreal promoter had the opportunity to sign talented athletes such as Jhon Orobio (5-0, 5 KOs) in the lightweight division, Moreno Fendero (2 -0, 1 KO) in the middleweight division and Imam Khataev (5-0, 5 KOs) perceived as the successor to the current light heavyweight world champion, Artur Beterbiev. A third super middleweight, IBO world champion Cuban boxer Osleys Iglesias (9-0, 8 KOs), joined the already formidable duo in the Montreal stable. He is currently ranked 16th in the WBC, it won’t take him long to join Mbilli and Bazinyan in the top 10.
Light heavyweight Albert Ramirez (17-0, 15 KOs), who also joined EOTTM this year, has a bright future. With two wins in two fights, the Venezuelan-born southpaw boxer is currently ranked 9th in the world according to BoxRec. He made the WBA top 10 at fourth place, sixth in the WBC and seventh in the WBO.
Meanwhile, Albertan Steve Claggett (37-7-2, 25 KOs) seems unstoppable since teaming up with trainer Mike Moffa. This remarkable duo achieved spectacular victories against formidable opponents, including former world champion, Alberto Machado. The reputation of the “Dragon” speaks for itself; He is a warrior in the ring and his exceptional performances led him to become the NABF champion at 140 pounds, claim the WBO international title and rise to 8th in the WBC and 12th in the WBO rankings. .
Several other EOTTM hopefuls continued their development brilliantly. One of the most active was Mehmet Nadir Unal (7-0, 6 KOs) with five victories. Christopher Guerrero (9-0, 5 KOs) also stood out, securing four KOs in as many fights, despite facing increasingly tough opponents. The pride of Buckingham, Alexandre Gaumont (9-0, 6 KOs), notched three wins, while Luis Santana (10-0, 4 KOs) notched two wins despite injuries and adversity. Speaking of perseverance, 2023 was also marked by the inspiring return of Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse (6-1, 2 KOs), who, after more than 5 years away, returned strongly this year. Like many others in the Montreal stable, her incredible 2023 will set her sights on the highest peaks in 2024.
The 2024 calendar is already full and will start with a historic boxing night with championship duels. Artur Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs), the current unified WBC, IBF and WBO light heavyweight champion, will face British contender Callum Smith (29-1, 21 KOs). In addition, there will be a duel for the defense of the WBC Continental Americas and WBA International titles held by Christian Mbilli (25-0, 21 KOs), who will face Rohan Murdock (27-2, 19 KOs). Also on the card is the bantamweight championship between Jason Moloney (26-2, 19 KOs) defending his WBO title against Saúl Sánchez (20-2, 12 KOs), as well as Imam Khataev (5-0, 5 KOs ) in his first championship fight against Rodolfo Gómez Jr (14-7-3, 10 KOs) for the NABF 175-pound title.
