MONTRÉAL, December 2, 2025 — The Outaouais region will get the best of international boxing on December 11, as Olympic medalist Imam Khataev defends his NABF light-heavyweight title against former world title challenger Adam Deines at Casino Lac-Leamy. The bout will be featured as the co-main event to the clash between Buckingham’s pride, Alexandre Gaumont, and Swiss contender Ramadan Hiseni in Gatineau.

“I remember watching the world championship fight between Artur Beterbiev and Adam Deines four years ago. I absolutely cannot underestimate him. I also know that boxing fans, just like me, know that the judges should have given me the win against David Morrell in New York, but I plan to remind everyone who the real champion is in Gatineau, with a spectacular and flawless performance,” promised the powerful puncher nicknamed “The Destroyer,” Imam Khataev, currently in training camp at the Pound 4 Pound Boxing Club in Montréal.

Ranked 7th in the world at light heavyweight by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and the International Boxing Federation (IBF), Imam Khataev (10-1, 9 KOs) was originally set to face top-10 world contender Richard Rivera, before an injury forced the American to withdraw. The new matchup against Adam Deines (24-3-1, 14 KOs) promises to be just as — if not more — interesting. The German’s only three losses came against elite competition: a 12-round eliminator against Fanlong Mang, an 11-round unified world championship bout against Artur Beterbiev, and an 8-round fight against EOTTM protégé and now interim world champion Albert Ramirez. Two athletes with proven track records on the big stage will therefore face off in Gatineau in a fight that could once again propel the winner to the sport’s highest level.

Olympian Simon Kean and EOTTM prospect Thomas Chabot were forced to withdraw from the event due to injuries. Despite this, Punching Grace will still broadcast a seven-fight card as planned, featuring several local athletes, on December 11 starting at 6:30 p.m.

The pride of Saint-André-Avellin and former world champion, Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse (7-2, 1 KO), will make her long-awaited return—after more than 16 months of absence. She is scheduled for an eight-round fight (or less) against American boxer and former bare-knuckle fighter Sonya Dreiling (7-9, 2 KO). This will mark Lepage-Joanisse’s debut in the super-middleweight division (168 lb), after having won the WBC world title at 175 lb in 2024.

In a ten-round lightweight bout, EOTTM prospect Avery Martin Duval (14-0-1, 8 KO) will attempt to continue his rise as he faces Romanian veteran and former European champion James Chereji (22-7, 10 KO).

Also on the card, in the cruiserweight division, Montrealer and Mike Moffa protégé Ayoub Maanni (3-0, 3 KO) will try to keep his perfect record intact against Calgary boxer Anton Tokarchuk (1-2). In a super-featherweight fight, Boisbriand sensation and four-time Canadian amateur champion Victor Tremblay (1-0, 1 KO) will take on Alberta’s Wade Hodgson, who is making his professional debut. And kicking off the event, in the welterweight division, Ontario-based boxer and Three Lions Promotions protégé Vadym Klym (1-0) will meet Western Canadian fighter Michael Parker (5-1, 2 KO) in a third bout scheduled for four rounds.

A limited number of tickets for #GaumontHiseni, taking place on December 11 at Casino Lac-Leamy, are still available via Ticketmaster (HERE). The event will also be broadcast starting at 6:30 PM on Punching Grace. Photos from recent fights featuring Alexandre Gaumont, Imam Khataev, and other EOTTM undercard fighters are also available (HERE).

MONTREAL, October 10, 2025 — The Outaouais region will be treated to the best of local and international boxing on December 11, as EOTTM returns to Casino Lac-Leamy to close out the year with a bang. Headlining the event, Buckingham’s pride Alexandre Gaumont will face Ramadan Hiseni, while Olympic medalist and top-10 light heavyweight contender Imam Khataev will fight in the co-main event. Also making big comebacks in Gatineau: Simon Kean and former world champion Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse!

“As always, it’s a privilege to fight in front of my people. This will be the biggest test of my career, and my first scheduled 10-round fight, but I’m not worried. After two back-to-back training camps, I’ll be in the best shape of my life—and with the crowd behind me, I’ll be stronger than ever,” promised Alexandre Gaumont.

Nicknamed “King Cogne” for his impressive punching power, Alexandre Gaumont (13-0, 9 KOs) will be making his second appearance of the year. Last April, he scored the KO of the night by stopping French champion Mathis Lourenco in the 4th round. It will also be his second main event at Casino Lac-Leamy, having knocked out Uruguayan champion Andres Viera in round 2 last October.

However, Swiss contender Ramadan Hiseni (21-2-2, 8 KOs) represents the toughest opponent of Gaumont’s pro career. Last year, he came to Quebec and surprised fans by earning a draw against former EOTTM prospect Shamil Khataev. Having won his last two fights, Hiseni also promises to be in the best shape of his life, fresh from a training camp in Germany with none other than Osleys “El Tornado” Iglesias.

“Last time I fought an Eye of the Tiger boxer, I’m convinced I should’ve won. It’s always harder to win on the road, so this time I won’t leave any doubt. It’ll be veni, vidi, vici for me on December 11,” said Ramadan Hiseni, who has only two losses by decision in 25 fights.

In the co-main event, world top-10 contender and Olympic medalist Imam Khataev (10-1, 9 KOs) returns to Quebec after three international appearances—in the U.S., Australia, and Russia. Last July, he wowed thousands of fans and tens of thousands of viewers in New York, when, on a Ring Magazine card, he became the first to knock down former world champion David Morrell Jr., before narrowly losing via a highly controversial split decision.

“I still believe the judges should have awarded the win to Imam Khataev. But what matters is that the whole world saw Imam that night. Now we move forward, and I must say, we’re especially proud to bring a boxer of this caliber to Gatineau. Alongside Alex Gaumont, it’s the best of both worlds, and I believe this will be the best card since our return to the Outaouais,” said EOTTM President Camille Estephan.

Other Eye of the Tiger rising stars Avery Martin Duval (14-0-1, 8 KOs) and Thomas Chabot (11-0, 8 KOs) will also be in action on December 11. Adding to the night’s excitement, former heavyweight world champion Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse (7-2, 2 KOs) will return to the ring for the first time since July 2024. Also returning: Mauricie’s “Grizzly” Simon Kean (23-2, 22 KOs), stepping into the ring after over two years of absence.

“A lot of people will wonder why. The answer is simple: unfinished business. I still have some scores to settle in professional boxing,” explained Olympian Simon Kean, who has publicly expressed his interest in facing Arslanbek Makhmudov several times in recent years…

Tickets for #GaumontHiseni, taking place on December 11 at Casino Lac-Leamy, are on sale now via Ticketmaster (HERE). The event will also be broadcast starting at 6:30 PM on Punching Grac

MONTREAL, July 14, 2025 — Eye of the Tiger’s rising star, Imam Khataev (10-1, 9 KOs), came up short in one of the most controversial decisions in recent memory this past Saturday, as he faced former world champion David Morrell (12-1, 9 KOs) at Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York.

In a 10-round war, Morrell hit the canvas for the first time in his career. Khataev also threw 32 more power punches than the Cuban boxer. Yet, the judges handed in scorecards that gave Morrell the win by split decision — a verdict that has left much of the boxing world scratching its head.

“One thing’s for sure: David Morrell got his Christmas gift early, because that was a terrible decision—not just for Imam Khataev, but for the integrity of the sport. Maybe we should invite Morrell to our turf, at the Centre Vidéotron, for a rematch,” said Camille Estephan, president of EOTTM.

“I’m not really sure what fight the judges were watching […]. Imam Khataev seemed to control the pace, land the cleaner shots, and deliver the heavier punches,” noted Mike Coppinger, journalist for The Ring Magazine.

“David Morrell went through hell to get a decision win I’m not sure he truly deserved it—this was exactly the kind of fire-fight Imam Khataev wanted,” added Sergio Mora, former world champion and DAZN analyst.

“Imam Khataev: a new star is born in the light heavyweight division,” declared Mike Grisham, play-by-play commentator for DAZN.

Click (HERE) to watch the full fight.

Hamzah Sheeraz emphatically stopped Edgar Berlanga in round four of their 12-round super middleweight bout at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Flushing, Queens, New York

In round four, Sheeraz dropped Berlanga with a hard three punch combination that punctuated by a left to the head. Seconds later, it was two vicious head shots that put Berlanga on his back. Seconds into round five, Sheeraz landed a couple more hard shots to the head the doubled over Berlanga and the fight was stopped at 17 seconds.

Sheeraz, 167.8 lbs of Ilford Essex, ENG is 22-0-1 with 18 knockouts. Berlanga, 167.6 lbs of Lithia, FL via Brooklyn is 23-2.

“Whoever was in the ring with me tonight, there was no stopping me,” Sheeraz said at the end of the night. “After my last fight (against Carlos Adames), the amount of abuse I got on social media and in person—I understand it’s part of boxing—but it made me a hungrier fighter.” 

Sheeraz worked with a new trainer for this bout, former middleweight champion Andy Lee, who he credited with aiding him in tonight’s win. “A massive thank you to Andy Lee, a man who put his faith and trust in me. In the first few rounds, I was losing them. I told him I can hunt this guy down and he believed me. Not many coaches do that, so Andy, thank you very much.”

“Canelo has always been a boxing hero of mine, so even for my name to be mentioned in the same sentence as his is a great achievement in and of itself,” said Sheeraz. “If I do get the opportunity to fight him, it won’t be one of those where I try to nick him on points. I will stand in the middle with him and have it out. Whoever lands first, I suppose, will knock out the other.”

Stevenson Decisions Zepeda to Retain Lightweight Title

Shakur Stevenson retained the WBC Lightweight title as he pounded out a 12-round unanimous decision over William Zepeda.

Zepeda made Stevenson show a different side of him as he was able to stand toe-to-toe with Zepeda. Zepeda pushed the action and at times backed Stevenson to the ropes. But Stevenson countered beautifully off the ropes. Zepeda landed punches, but Stevenson was able to land punch for punch and was alot more economical and precise with his punches.

Stevenson, 135 lbs of Newark, NJ won by scores of 119-109 and 118-110 twice and is now 24-0. Zepeda, 134.8 lbs of San Mateo, MEX is 33-1.

“It wasn’t the performance I was looking for, because I was trying to prove a point. I was trying to fight, so I took more punishment than usual. At the end of the day, I do whatever it takes to get the job done,” Stevenson remarked following the bout. “I’ve got that dog in me. I’m not no puppy. I’m not a poodle. I’m a tough guy. I’ve got dog in me.” (See video HERE)

“That was one of the toughest fighters at 135 lbs. I want a lot of people to get in the ring with him and see how tough he is. He pushed me to another level,” Stevenson said of Zepeda. “I had to go in my bag. He just kept coming. He tried to pin me against the ropes so I had to switch it up and not sit against the ropes too long.”

When asked who may be next on his list, Stevenson welcomed all challengers while noting he plans to keep leveling up his game. “Whoever. I want to go back to the drawing board, work on my game a little bit. Get physically stronger and when I come back, I’ll be even better.”

Matias Decisions Puello in Barnburner to Win Super Lightweight Title

Subriel Matias became a two-time world champion with a majority decision over Alberto Puello to win the WBC Super Lightweight title in high-action, high-contact fight.

The fight was fought at close quarters with Matias walking forward and throwing his customary high volume work rate. Puello was very effective counterpunching and

In round five, Matias was cut over his left eye. Matias and Puello battled down the stretch but the judges preferred the volume of Matias to the tune of 115-113 twice and 114-114.

Matias landed 255 766 punches; Puello was 267 of 735

Matias, 140 lbs of Fajardo, PR is now 23-2. Puello, 139.8 lbs of Las Vegas via Dominican Republic is 24-1.

After the decision was announced, top contender Dalton Smith entered the ring and a fight with Matias was announced for November 22nd in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

“When I lost (to Liam Paro) in 2024, a lot of people laughed at me, but I told them I would come back and be a world champion once again and here it is.”

David Morrell Gets Decision over Khataev

In a 10-round war, David Morrell won a razor thin split decision over Imam Khataev in a light heavyweight bout.

In round two, Morrell started swelling around his right eye. Khataev was cut over his right eye. In round five, Khataev began to bleed from his nose. Late in the round, Khataev uncorked an overhand right that put Morrell on the canvas.

Khataev hurt Morrell on several occasions. Morrell made a late flurry late that won him the fight as he won by scores of 96-93 and 95-94 and Khataev took a 95-94 talley.

Morrell, 174.8 lbs of Santa Clara, CUB us 12-1. Khataevm 174.8 lbs of Sydney, AUS vis Russia is 10-1.

When asked about the potential of a rematch with Khataev, Morrell welcomed the challenge. “Why not? It was a great fight. I don’t say no to a rematch. If the people say they want a rematch and they liked the fight, I don’t say no to anybody. I’m ready. I don’t care.”

Tsutsumi Stops Ruiz in 2

Reito Tsutsumi stopped Michael Ruiz in round two of their four-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Tsutumi dropped Ruiz with a right to the body. Ruiz was dropped again with another body shot. Early in round two, Tsutsumi dropped Ruiz with a straight left and the fight was stopped at 28 seconds.

Tsutsumi, 134.6 lbs of Tokyo is now 2-0 with one knockout. Ruiz, 134.8 lbs of Lacey Township, NJ is 2-8-1.

HOUSTON, TX (June 30, 2025) – Light heavyweight contender David Morrell Jr. (11-1, 9 KOs) is laser-focused and fight-ready as he prepares to face undefeated Imam Khataev (10-0, 9 KOs), originally from Urus-Martan, Russia, now fighting out of Sydney, Australia, in a highly anticipated 10-round bout at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York. The event will be televised live on DAZN PPV.

Morrell has elevated his preparation following the first setback of his professional career. Training under the watchful eye of Ronnie Shields, he has been sharpening his skills and preparing for battle.

“I’m in complete beast mode right now in training camp. Every day is another day toward greatness. I’m running more, hitting harder, and staying focused on everything,” said Morrell. “Losing that fight to Benavidez woke me up. I’m coming to hurt something.”

When asked about his opponent, Morrell didn’t hold back. “I know Khataev is strong and undefeated, but he hasn’t been in there with this version of me. He’s good, yeah, but I’m better. I’m faster, I’m smarter, and I’m coming into this fight with bricks in my fists. He’s gonna find out real quick that I’m coming for his soul.”

Coming off his first professional loss, Morrell is determined to make a statement and remind fans and critics why he was once considered one of the division’s most dangerous threats. “Everybody thinks I’m done or I’m not that guy anymore. Well, they’re gonna see. I’m coming to prove I’m still here, and I’m still scary. This fight is personal for me and my mindset.”

With the spotlight on Louis Armstrong Stadium and millions watching around the world, Morrell sees this bout as the perfect stage to relaunch his climb toward world championship contention. “A win here? Man, it changes everything. It puts me back on the map. All the top guys are gonna have to look my way again. I’m taking over.”

MONTREAL, April 11, 2025 — Power will be on full display on June 5 at the Cabaret of the Montreal Casino. In action: the hard-hitting tandem and world title hopefuls Arthur Biyarslanov and Imam Khataev will defend their respective NABF titles during the event broadcast starting at 6:30 p.m. on Punching Grace and ESPN+.

“Arthur and Imam are two athletes often compared to Artur Beterbiev. That says a lot about the level of boxing we’re lucky to have here, and the potential they possess. I have no doubt they represent the beginning of a great chapter for Quebec boxing,” said Eye of the Tiger president Camille Estephan.

Arthur Biyarslanov (18-0, 15 KOs) has seen a meteoric rise since signing with the Montreal-based promoter in February 2024. From his EOTTM debut to his most recent bout — in under 11 months — Samuel Décarie-Drolet’s protégé has notched five victories, including capturing the NABF super lightweight title and defending it three times. In his most recent outing, the man nicknamed ‘The Wolf’ completely dismantled former world champion Mohamed Mimoune — in under a round. Making giant leaps with each performance, the Canadian Olympian from the Rio 2016 Games is now ranked 13th in the world by the WBC in the 140 lb division.

Imam Khataev (10-0, 9 KOs) is also on the fast track, this time in the light heavyweight division. A bronze medalist at the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games, ‘The Destroyer’ joined EOTTM after just three professional fights and claimed the NABF 175 lb title in his sixth bout, in Quebec City, on the undercard of the Beterbiev-Smith event in January 2024. Since then, the powerful puncher has fought four times — in Quebec, Russia, and twice in Australia — easily dispatching world title contenders Ricards Bolotniks and Yunior Menendez, as well as Olympic fighter Ezequiel Maderna and Argentine brawler Durval Palacio in spectacular fashion. Riding high after this impressive win, Khataev returns to Montreal ranked 7th by the IBF, 9th by the WBC, and even 10th by the prestigious Ring Magazine.

The opponents for these top 15 and top 10 contenders, Arthur Biyarslanov and Imam Khataev, will be announced in the coming days, along with the other fighters featured on the card. Tickets for the #NABFRumble event, set for June 5 at the Cabaret of the Montreal Casino, are on sale now at Ticketmaster.ca. Photos from Biyarslanov and Khataev’s recent fights are also available [HERE].

Artur Beterbiev retained the IBF/WBC?WBO Light heavyweight tiles with a decisive and destructive seventh round stoppage of former super middleweight champion Callum Smith at The Videotron Center in Quebec City, Canada.

Beterbiev came out with hard flurries, while Smith would occasionally jab and try to work the body. In round three, Smith began to bleed from the nose and swell around the right eye.

In round seven, Beterbiev landed a big right hand that rocked and hurt Smith. The champion followed up with a massive flurry of punches that wilted Smith to the canvas. Smith tried to fight back, but ate six flush shots on the ropes that put him down for a second time. Smith’s trainer Buddy McGirt climbed on the ring apron to signal that he had seen enough of his charge taking abuse and the bout was stopped at 2:00.

Beterbiev, 175 lbs of Montreal is 20-0 with 20 knockouts. Smith, 174.6 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 29-2.

Beterbiev said, “It’s because of luck. It’s my coach. My team works hard with me, too. Maybe that’s why, too. But I think it’s because of luck.

“We had a couple strategies. We always have more than one. We need to be prepared for several strategies. He gave me a good fight. He stayed strong. Thanks to him. Today, luck is on my side.

“Yes, of course {I want the Bivol fight}. I need another belt. It would mean a lot to me.”

Mbilli destroys Murdock in 6

Top-ranked super middleweight Christian Mbilli battered Rohan Murdock to a pulp as he scored a stoppage after six-rounds of their 10-round bout.

Mbilli landed vicious power punches throughout the fight. He was relentless, especially with the right hand and he landed several shots that were right on the sweet spot.

Mbilli had Murdock in serious trouble in just about every round, and the fight could have been stopped at anytime after the fourth round. Murdock’s corner let him eat huge shots for another six minutes before pulling the plug on the fight after round six.

Mbilli, 167.3 lbs of Montreal is 26-0 with 22 knockouts. Murdock, 167 lbs of Burleigh, AUS is 27-3.

Mbilli said, “Tonight I sent a message. I am the future of the division. That’s what the message was today.

“Canelo is the best. Everyone knows that. But now I want to show that I’m the best in the division. My goal is to fight him. I would do anything to fight him.

“Murdock is strong. He took all of my good punches. But for me, I thought I would finish him in one more round. But his team ended the fight. He’s a good fighter, but I’m the best today.”

Moloney Decisions Sanchez; Retains Bantamweight Title

Jason Moloney retained the WBO Bantamweight title with a 12-round majority decision over Saul Sanchez.

In round three, Moloney was cut around the right eye, which was ruled from a headbutt. The fight was fought a close quarters and fought on the inside. Sanchez was very effective with his work on the inside.

Sanchez took the middle rounds by being agressive. Moloney came on late in the final rounds to eek the fight out by scores of 116-112 twice and 114-114.

Moloney, 117.5 lbs of Melbourne, AUS is now 27-2.

Moloney said, “Saul Sanchez is a warrior. I am proud to be the WBO bantamweight champion, and I was going to do whatever it took to keep my title.
 
“The era of Mayhem is only beginning. And the fans here in Quebec City were incredible. I felt like I did enough in the later rounds to retain my title.
 
“I’d love to defend my world title ‘Down Under’ in front of my Australian fans.”

Imam Khataev remained perfect by stopping Michal Ludwiczak in round two in a scheduled 10-round light heavyweight fight.

In round two, Khataev was battering Ludwiczak until a combination that finished up by a right put Ludwiczak. Khtaev continued to batter Ludwiczak until the bout was waved off at 2:17

Khataev, 174.6 lbs of Sydney, AUS is now 6-0 with six knockouts. Ludwiczak, 178.6 lbs of Leszeno, POL is 17-13-1.

In a rematch, Leila Beaudoin won an eight-round unanimous decision over Elizabeth Espinoza in a junior lightweight bout.

Beaudoin, 129.6 lbs of Temiscouata, CAN won by scores of 78-74 twice and 77-75 and is now 11-1. Espinoza, 129.8lbs of Torreon, MEX is 4-6-3.

Wikens Mathieu remained undefeated and won a four-round unanimous decision over Jose Arias Alvarez in a super middleweight fight/

Mathieu, 168.8 lb of Quebec City won by scores of 40-36 and 40-35 twice and is now 6-0. Alvarez, 167.7 lbs of Leon, MEX is 3-2.

Mehmet Unal stopped Dragan Lepei in just 57 seconds of their eight-round light heavyweight bout.

Unal dominated and hurt Lepei until the fight was stopped.

Unal, 177.8 lbs of Montreal is 8-0 with seven. Lepei, 177.7 lbs of Tuscany, ITA is 22-7-2.

Christopher Guerrero won an eight-round unanimous decision over Sergio Barrera in a welterweight bout.

Guerrero, 149 lbs of Montreal won by score of 79-73 twice and 78-4 and is now 10-0. Barrera, 149.6 lbs of Jalisco, MEX is 7-4.

Moreno Fendero stopped Victor Hugo Flores in the opening round of their four-round middleweight bout.

In round one, Fendero dropped Flores with a left hand. Seconds later, Fendero landed a hard combination that put Flores down again. Fendero got to his feet, but then crouched down and the fight was stopped at 2:16.

Fendero, 162.8 lbs of Chartres, FRA is 3-0 with two knockouts. Flores, 162.3 lbs of Pachuca, MEX is 7-3.

Steve Claggett won a 10-round unanimous decison over Miguel Madueno in a junior welterweight at Casino Montreal in Montreal, Canada.

Claggett, 139.8 lbs of Calgary, CAN won by scores of 99-91 twice and 98-92 and is now 37-7-2. Madueno, 139.6 lbs of Orange, CA is 30-2.

Steven Butler stopped Ivan Alvarez in round nine of their 10-round middleweight bout.

In round nine, Butler landed a big right hand that hurt Alvarez. Butler followed up with a flurry that put Alvarez down in the corner. Later in the round Butler sent Alvarez down with a straight right hand. Alvarez got to his feet, but the fight was waved off at 2:36.

Butler, 161.9 lbs of Montreal, CAN is 33-4-1 with 27 knockouts. Alvarez, 160.9 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 32-15-4.

Imam Khataev stopped Fernando Galvan in round two of their eight-round light heavyweight bout.

In round one, Khataev dropped Galvan with a one-two. In round two, it was a right hand that put Galvan down and the fight was stopped at 44 seconds.

Khataev, 178.6 lbs of Sydney, AUS is 5-0 with five knockout. Galvan, 179.4 lbs of Mexico is 8-9-1.

Mehmet Unal stopped Jaime Lopez after round two of their eight-round light heavyweight bout.

In round one, Unal dropped Lopez with a left hand. Unal dominated the bout and the fight was stopped in the corner due to injury.

Unal is now 7-0 with six knockouts. Lopez is 10-11.

Wikens Mathieu remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Gregorz Mardyla in a super middleweight.

Mathieu, 169.5 lbs of Quebec, CAN won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 5-0. Mardyla, 168.6 lbs of Krackow, POL is 1-1-1.

Moreno Fendero stopped Cristian Lozano in round two of their four-round middleweight bout.

Fendero dropped Lozano at the end of the first round. In round two, Lozano began to bleed from his nose. The fight was stopped when Fendero landed a hard combination at 1″05.

Fendero, 163.6 lbs of Chartres, FRA is 2-0 with one knockout, Lozano, 160.9 lbs of San Pedro, MEX is 2-3.