Montreal – As confirmed last Thursday, InterBox and Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) held their joint press conference to officially announce the first ever World title fight between two Quebec boxers. On Friday, June 19th at the Montreal Bell Centre, Adrian « The Shark » Diaconu (26-0-0 15 KO) will defend his WBC Light Heavyweight title for the first time against fellow Quebecer Jean Pascal (22-1-0 15 KO).
« The Shark » will be lacing up the gloves against a formidable opponent for his first defense bout. Jean Pascal is a solid puncher, who demonstrated tenacity and courage in his WBC world 168 pound title bout against current champion Carl Froch. But Pascal will have a hungry Shark circling in front of him, looking to bite him with a power punching force rarely seen in Quebec boxing. Boxing fans are in for an explosion of styles when these two athletes enter the Bell Centre Ring on June 19th.
“I am a man who enjoys a real challenge, and have never backed away from the best boxers in the Light Heavyweight division. I wish the same were true for them. I am taking Jean Pascal extremely serious. We are both very thirsty for victory. There will be no gifts in that Bell Centre ring; I will have the best preparation of my career for this fight. It is an honor for me to be fighting in this historical championship fight between two local boxers. I will do everything to win in front of my fans and to prove that I am a true champion!” States Adrian Diaconu.
Presented by le Casino de Montréal, this Gala will not only mark the first World title fight between two Quebecers, but also the first collaboration between InterBox and GYM. “Don Majeski undertook this project and paved the way for this bout to take place. It is a true testament to the will of both organizations to want to roll up their sleeves and work together to offer Quebec boxing fans a high profile fight featuring two elite local boxers. I truly believe this fight will stir up passion not only in Quebec, but worldwide as it promises to be electric!” States Jean Bedard, President of the Sportscene Group.
Jean Pascal shows only one defeat on his professional boxing record, coming at the hands of world champion Carl Froch last December 6th 2008 with both athletes disputing the vacant WBC title. “I am extremely proud and excited to be a part of this mega-fight. Thanks to this fight, my name will forever be engraved in the history of Quebec boxing”.
“I know this will be a rough, tough and challenging battle but all I have done in my career up to this point has prepared me well for this feat. I will neglect nothing in training and will be as ready as I have ever been come fight night. I have Marc Ramsey, Pedro Diaz, Russ Anber and Rob Schinke on my side who, together with my promoter GYM, form the best team in the world. With them by my side I am ready to conquer the world!” states Pascal.
In partnership with Presented by In collaboration with “This bout against Diaconu will be a real war in the trenches where talent, mental strength, strategy and physical preparation will all be prerequisites for victory. Considering the importance of this major bout that will certainly make and even influence Quebec boxing history, I speak on my behalf and on behalf of my associates Dino, Alexandra and Bernard, in saying that it is with Jean Pascal that we have decided to battle on the front line” states Yvon Michel, President of Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM).
“The heads of both Organizations had the intelligence to recognize the value, the importance and the potential of this historic bout and the maturity to not only work together, but to recognize each others strengths, combine the elements, and put ink to paper to make this all happen. The agreement was reached with an open minded collaboration” concludes Yvon Michel.
Tickets on sale as of Saturday, May 9th at 9 AM
