Boxing: Mike Estèves in search of a French-speaking WBC belt at the Palais des sports in Béziers

Mike Esteves disputera son quinzième combat professionnel. – Jean-Christophe Gonon

Saturday May 25, at the Béziers sports center, during the BC Marcel-Cerdan gala, Mike Esteves (Esprit Boxe 34) will face Argentinian Mauro Nicolas Liendro. At stake, a French-speaking WBC belt.

For seven weeks, time has stood still for Mike Esteves. Patrice Guidoni's boxer (Esprit boxe 34) locked himself in his bubble. A work bubble where he works tirelessly and sweats profusely, his eyes turned towards the Béziers sports center, where on Saturday May 25, he will face the Argentinian Mauro Nicolas Liendro .

Faced with this tough opponent (in 18 matches, he won nine times, winning five times by knockout), Mike Esteves (14 fights, 2 defeats, 1 draw) will try to run for a French-speaking WBC belt, the most renowned federation. In the event of victory, beyond making a big leap in the world rankings, it could then become a challenger for a European championship : "This is a big step in my career, says Mike Esteves. It can be a boost or a brake…"

Category change

In order not to give any chance to the Argentinian whom he will face in the flyweight category (50.8 kg), he continued the training with physical preparation every morning, and a boxing session every evening. He also somewhat revised his diet:"Usually, I box in bantamweight at 53 kg, explains Patrice Guidoni’s student. But I was at a disadvantage each time because I never lost much to get to that weight. After the weigh-in, I gained two or three kilos when my opponents gained 5 or 6. And this is felt in the ring."

Mike Esteves completed his last week of preparation at Les Mureaux. He was able to cross gloves with Christopher Hippocrate, vice-champion of the Coupe de France or with the undefeated featherweight Christ Esabe: "I don't feel no more ready than usual but more complete, confides the boxer. If I have progressed, it is more on the mental level. I have gained maturity."

Faced with a smaller opponent, Mike Esteves will rely on his reach and speed. Without rushing. At the risk of being struck by lightning.

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