Boxing | Groupe Yvon Michel has several projects in mind

(Montreal) Whether for a tournament of the best mid-flyweights or a breakthrough for Jean Pascal among the light heavyweights, Groupe Yvon Michel has several projects on its drawing board. Its president, Yvon Michel, took stock on Wednesday on the sidelines of the press conference to announce its galas on May 16 and June 20.

Mid-flyweight tournament

Michel raised the possibility of setting in motion a light flyweight tournament between the two champions of the division, Yesica Nery Plata (WBA and WBC) and Evelin Bermudez (IBF and WBO), and Kim Clavel.

Plata and Bermudez would face off in a unification bout and Clavel would face the winner. The loser of the first duel would then have the opportunity to face the one who emerges victorious from the second fight. Where is this project?

“Bermudez will now face his mandatory opponent (at the IBF). Plata told us that she was very interested in this unification fight, but that if it didn’t go that way, she wouldn’t mind giving Kim a rematch; Bermudez told us the same thing,” Michel said.

“Plata also asked us if we could have her box on one of our upcoming cards. We look at that too. But discussions are ongoing. I have contacts with broadcasters, even some confirmations. Some platforms have become involved. But it is an expensive project. Everything is still under study. »

Jean Pascal

A few weeks ago, the promoter mentioned a conversation he had with Pascal in which the 41-year-old boxer mentioned the desire to continue his career, but at light heavyweight, at 199 pounds, instead of at midweight. -heavy (175).

A few days ago, the double world champion with a record of 36-7-1 (20 KOs), however, suggested on TVA that his career was probably over. What exactly is it?

“He would love it if he had an offer,” Michel said. It’s still that for those who box in their 40s. When Bernard Hopkins faced Jean Pascal, he was 46 years old. He was retired. At one point, after beating Chad Dawson, Jean said in the ring that he wanted Bernard Hopkins. When he heard that, Hopkins wanted to come back and it revived his career.

“Hopkins had quit because he was no longer in demand. Jean would like that at light heavyweight. We look at the current champions, but he didn’t have an offer. We say that if Ryan Rozicki becomes world champion in May (he is the mandatory opponent for WBC champion Noel Mykaelian), it could be an interesting fight. But we don’t know if Rozicki will win,” summarized Michel.

“Jean was quite candid about it, saying that the phone is not ringing,” he continued. I’m sure if the phone rang for a significant fight and a significant amount of money, he would be tempted. »

Derek Pomerleau

After the last GYM gala, the signing of middleweight Derek Pomerleau (8-0, 6 KOs) was imminent. We even invited the media to a press conference on April 8, an event which was literally “eclipsed” by the scientific news of the day and ultimately postponed.

Since then, this expected signing has been put on ice.

“With the information that has come out, we are carrying out legal investigations to be certain that he is not under contract. I requested a meeting with (promoter) Yan Pellerin and the Pomerleau clan. Depending on what comes out of all this, we will see which direction we take,” said Michel.

Has the recently announced signing of heavyweight Alexis Barrière (11-0, 9 KOs) and the imbroglio created with his former promoter (Pellerin) dampened GYM’s enthusiasm?

“No, the Barrière agreement is over. It is certain that Pellerin can exercise a first right of refusal, but there are such big things coming up for Alexis. (…) Derek’s clan had shown us emails which could suggest that his contract had expired. We want to make sure of that. We still want him to box for us,” Michel concluded.