Boxing: Jean Pascal does not think of Artur Beterbiev

BETTING À DAY

If many boxing fans are already dreaming of a possible fight between Artur Beterbiev and Jean Pascal, the latter knows only too well that he must first focus on his next opponent: the German Michael Eifert.  

“I'm wary of Michael Eifert,” Pascal said Monday morning during a videoconference to promote his IBF playoff now scheduled for March 16 at Place Bell in Laval. I know how it feels. I have been in his place before. He wants to prove to the world that he is part of the world elite.”

In facing Eifert (11-1, 4 K.-O.), Pascal (36-6-1, 20 K .-O.) will then be in a first fight in Quebec since July 2018.

“I am very very excited to return to Quebec after five years of absence, he commented, from the gymnasium where he trains in Miami, Florida. It gives me motivation to train. I expect to have a very warm welcome.”

Supported by his supporters

It must be admitted that Pascal will have lived through tumultuous moments, he who was stripped of his WBA light heavyweight title in the summer of 2021 after failing a doping test. More recently, last November, he was arrested for impaired driving.

“I was in Quebec during the holiday season and the approach of my supporters is very favorable,” said the 40-year-old boxer. I don't see it as a reconciliation, my Quebec supporters have always supported me.”

“Jean deserves to come back here and to have support, for his part noted Yvon Michel, co- event promoter. We are extremely proud to bring Jean home.”

The desire to impress

About Beterbiev, remember that he defeated the Briton Anthony Yarde, Saturday in London. WBC, WBO and IBF champion Beterbiev may have to face the winner of the duel between Pascal and Eifert. However, a unification fight between Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol remains another possibility. One thing is certain, the winner between Pascal and Eifert will become the mandatory contender for the IBF title.

“Winning will not be enough for us, we will have to impress, launched Pascal. The best way to impress is by going for it with the knockout. I'm not aiming for the knockout, but by delivering my best performance, it could happen.”