Albert Ramirez vs Adam Deines;
A World Class Bout Added To “The Conquest” May 25th!
By: Andréanne Lambert (PR-EOTTM)
(April 3rd) Eye of the Tiger is proud to announce the addition of a significant, and more importantly, globally impactful bout to its La Conquête gala, scheduled for May 25th. Venezuelan protege Albert Ramirez, currently ranked 4th globally by the WBO in the 175 lb category, will square off against WBO’s #5 contender, Germany’s Adam Deines. Set for 10 rounds, the duel will be included in the lineup at the Centre Gervais Auto in Shawinigan, which will also showcase Christian Mbilli versus Mark Heffron for the WBC Continental Americas super-middleweight title, as well as Arslanbek Makhmudov against Junior Fa.
“We’ve worked tirelessly to arrange this fight as it will have a significant impact on the light heavyweight division,” exclaimed EOTTM President, Camille Estephan. “The winner should manage to position themselves at either the 1st or 2nd global rank and thus, be in an excellent position to become the mandatory challenger for the reigning champion. Timing is also crucial as it will be presented concurrently with the unification fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol scheduled for June 1st in Riyadh, which will significantly shake up the division,” he added.
This will be the second fight in Quebec for Albert Ramirez (18-0, 15 KOs), who is also ranked 2nd globally by the WBA, 5th by the WBC, and 8th by the IBF. On January 25th, his aggressiveness and explosiveness prevailed over high-level technician and former EOTTM protege, Artur Ziyatdinov. Well aware that a victory could significantly bring him closer to a world championship fight, Ramirez will strive to elevate his game against the German title contender.
On the other hand, Adam Deines (23-2-1, 14 KOs) is no stranger to adversity. In 2021, the southpaw boxer traveled to Russia to face one of the most feared boxers in the sport, Artur Beterbiev. In a 10-round bout, Deines showcased both his courage and technical skills as he managed to win some exchanges. Climbing up the ranks to fight at the top once again, the European athlete has since won his last four fights, all before the limit.
The fact that such a significant elimination bout is neither the main event nor the co-main event of the evening speaks volumes about the depth of the card presented on May 25th in Mauricie. It’s worth noting that the main attraction of the evening will feature world contender Christian “Solid” Mbilli (26-0, 22 KOs) seeking new heights as he defends his WBC Continental Americas belt against the dangerous British puncher Mark “Kid Dynamite” Heffron (30-3-1, 24 KOs). In the co-main event, the “Lion” Arslanbek Makhmudov (18-1, 17 KOs) will venture back into the arena by immediately taking on the oceanic giant Junior Fa (20-3, 11 KOs), who had even defeated him in the amateur ranks.
Adopted Mauricians Wilkens Mathieu and Mehmet Unal will also be in action, as well as Montrealers Christopher Guerrero, Luis Santana, and Jhon Orobio, in addition to the highly anticipated return of Buckingham’s pride, Alexandre Gaumont.
Tickets for the La Conquête gala presented by Eye of the Tiger in association with the Shawinigan Cataractes on May 25th at the Centre Gervais Auto are now available for purchase on the Ovation network at www.ovation.qc.ca.
Christian Mbilli-Mark Heffron Super Middleweight
Main Event & Arslanbek Makhmudov-Junior Fa
Heavyweight Battle Set For May 25 In Shawinigan, Canada!
(March 28th) Super middleweight contender Christian "Solid" Mbilli, who recently signed a co-promotional contract with Top Rank, will defend his WBA International and WBC Continental Americas titles in the 10-round main event against Mark "Kid Dynamite" Heffron on Saturday, May 25 at Gervais Auto Center in Shawinigan, Canada.
In the 10-round heavyweight co-feature, the man known as the "Lion," Arslanbek Makhmudov, will fight former amateur nemesis Junior Fa.
This international event will be presented by Eye of the Tiger, in collaboration with the Cataractes and the City of Shawinigan. Mbilli-Heffron, Makhmudov-Fa, and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
“It's always a source of pride to bring major fights to Mauricie, but this time, I can undoubtedly say we're reaching another level. These are highly risky international fights we'll present on May 25, where there will be no room for error. But, with Mbilli and Arslanbek, we aim for the top, so we must be ready to face real challenges," said Eye of the Tiger President Camille Estephan.
Mbilli (26-0, 22 KOs) has run roughshod over a host of super middleweight hopefuls, including former world title challenger Nadjib Mohammedi and Ecuadorian puncher Carlos Góngora. Most recently, as the co-feature to the Artur Beterbiev-Callum Smith main event in Quebec City, he battered Rohan Murdock en route to a sixth-round stoppage in front of more than 10,000 spectators.
Mbilli said, “No matter where he comes from and who he is, my opponent will have to arrive ready because on May 25, I will once again demonstrate why I belong with the elite of the super middleweights. Mark Heffron is just another boxer on my path. I respect him, but I won't be gentle with him, just like with the others. I am convinced that we will deliver quite a fight in Shawinigan, but victory is the only option for me.”
Heffron (30-3-1, 24 KOs), from Oldham, England, is a former British and Commonwealth super middleweight champion who once fought to a draw with one-time world title challenger Denzel Bentley. He rebounded from last September’s TKO defeat to Jack Cullen with February’s second-round TKO over Serhii Ksendzov.
Heffron said, "I am incredibly excited to be coming over to Canada to box Christian Mbilli. I have followed Christian's career and always thought we would end up boxing each other. We are two of the most exciting super middleweights out there, so this will be an excellent fight that the fans will love. I am very confident of winning this fight. I wouldn't be traveling all the way to Canada if I wasn't sure of the win.”
Makhmudov (18-1, 17 KOs) steps back into the ring in Shawinigan to restart his conquest of the heavyweight division. After suffering a knockout defeat and a double-hand fracture against Agit Kabayel last October, he will attempt to settle an old score. Fa bested Makhmudov via five-round decision in 2012 in Mumbai, India, as part of the World Series of Boxing.
"I've already faced him in a very close fight that he won when we were amateurs, so I am more than determined to avenge that defeat," Makhmudov said.
Fa (20-3, 11 KOs) is an eight-year pro who started his career 19-0 before dropping a decision to fellow New Zealander Joseph Parker in 2021. He was part of last December's “Day of Reckoning” super event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, hanging tough before being knocked out in the seventh round by unbeaten contender Frank Sanchez.
Eye of the Tiger
Since 2008, Eye of the Tiger has been committed to recruiting the most promising talent, arming them with the tools and support to ensure their success, and creating opportunities that will allow them to scale the greatest heights of their endeavors. In order to achieve excellence, we work as arduously and with the same ferocious determination as our athletes do in the ring.
Ten years after its inception, EOTTM is as determined than ever and reiterates its goal of building a force to be reckoned with on the international scene, and to train champions who will transcend the sport and kindle passions.
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