Montreal – Only a few days remain before the first defense of the prestigious WBC World Light Heavyweight by young gun Jean Pascal (23-1-0, 15 KO), who takes on mandatory Silvio Branco on Friday. “I did everything that needed to be done to keep the Green belt around my waist on Friday night.  I cut no corners, and training camp was excellent.  I will be very surprised if my opponent stays standing for the full 12 rounds” stated Jean, more confident than ever.  His trainer, Marc Ramsay, did not disagree! “Jean has gained an enormous amount confidence and maturity since winning the World title.  In my opinion, his preparation is actually superior to the one that beat Diaconu last June”.

Adrian Diaconu will be an interested spectator:

Adrian Diaconu (26-1-0, 15KO) is back in Montreal after a much needed vacation with his family back in Romania. He has already begun training for a rematch with Pascal that, if all goes well, could take place December 11th at the Bell Centre.  He will be one of Pascal’s biggest fan in his fight against Branco. “I admit that Pascal surprised me last June but the fight was much closer than he thinks.  The difference in the fight was one or two rounds out of the full 12.  Next time I will not over estimate him.  I wish him a win vs. Branco so that we can settle the score”.

The return of Adonis Stevenson:

Undercard bouts for the « Ultimo Tango in Montreal » Gala are all set, and all of them promise action!  Montrealer Adonis « Superman » Stevenson (12-0-0, 9KO) will lace up the gloves in the main supporting bout of the evening against Commonwealth and WBC Caribbean Champion Jermain « Choo Choo » Mackey (18-3-0, 14KO) in a Super Middleweight fight for one of the most difficult minor belts to hold and defend; the WBC International title.  Stevenson returns from a 3-week training camp in Germany where he served as WBA 168 lb champion Mikkel Kessler’s (42-1-0, 32 KO) sparring partner.  Stevenson has not boxed in over a year due to injuries but is now extremely motivated to make a run up the super middleweight latter.  “Those rounds of sparring with Kessler made me realize I can any 168 pounder!” states Adonis.  Mackey will be boxing in Quebec for the second time in his career, looking to avenge a 12 round decision loss to Jean Pascal in 2006 in his last visit.

A challenge awaits Sebastien Demers:

World rated Mascouche born Sebastien « Double Trouble » Demers (28-2-0, 10KO) will also box on the card, but will be facing a major challenge in front of talented American fighter Henry « Sugar Poo » Buchanan (17-2-0, 12KO).  Demers put in some excellent rounds as Pascal’s sparring partner and declares himself in tip top shape for this challenge.  “I know Buchanan is a good fighter but the rounds I put in with Pascal will be the determining factor”.  This will be yet another super middleweight bout for Demers, who feel more comfortable at that weight.

Whittom vs Handy: An interesting rematch

Quebec native David Whittom (10-9-1, 6KO) and adopted Montrealer Carl « Kojak » Handy (23-7-2, 12KO) fought a furious bout in 2006.  Handy won by majority decision.  It is only fitting they do it again, for the benefit of a larger audience this time.

Bizier and Cote, Quebec City’s best crop of young talent:

The two most talented young fighters hailing from Quebec City, Kevin Bizier (5-0-0, 3KO) et Pier-Olivier Côté (7-0-0, 5KO), will round off the card in separate bouts and will both try to keep their undefeated records alive. Bizier will face Jose Leonardo Corona (8-9-0, 6KO) from Mexico and Cote will face his toughest challenger yet, Leonardo Rojas (8-8-3, 2KO) of Montréal, who fought bravely in decision losses to Antonin Decarie and Benoit Gaudet.

GYM and InterBox are very proud with the quality of this Gala.  “All fights of this prestigious Gala will be spectacular and exciting.  We are preparing for a magnificent evening” states the President of GYM, Mr. Yvon Michel.  “We are extremely happy to be associated with this Gala and just like Adrian, we wish Jean a great victory so we can get to work immediately on the December 11th rematch” states Jean Bedard, President of InterBox.