In 2019, Jean Pascal was able to get his career back on track and finds himself back in the mix.
Pascal (35-6-1, 20 KOs) turned back the odds when he won technical decision over undefeated Marcus Browne to capture the WBA interim-title. He was later made the "regular" champion, and then won a dramatic split decision victory over former belttholder Badou Jack.
"I got a bit of the beast back," said Pascal to The Montreal Journal. "You have to excuse my language, but in life, you sometimes have to kick yourself in the ass. That's what I did. I kicked myself in the backside. I got a little more active. I train regularly.”
Pascal was going to make the second defense of his title in May or June, but everything is now on hold due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
"It's a frustrating situation, but it's not the end of the world," said Pascal. "We are in an unprecedented crisis. I would be selfish to worry about my training and my fights.”
After returning from Florida at the end of March, the pugilist spent 14 days in voluntary isolation and his daughter then joined him.
“We go outside as little as possible, only to do the shopping. We stay at home, we play board games and we watch Netflix," said Pascal.
"My daughter, she is no longer a baby. She is able to do her own things. We take walks and we talk a lot. My daughter is interacting with her school. The school gave her activities to do on the web. I tell her to take the time to do it right. ”
Taking the time is precisely the advice Pascal wants to give to Quebeckers who are currently confined to the home.
“People have a lot of free time, but they should take that time to try to improve in their areas of expertise, whether at work, in sport or anything. You have to take this moment to try to improve yourself, in order to become a better person, a better employee or a better athlete," Pascal said.
"I take one fight at a time. I am 37 years old and I still have a few years ahead of me. I want to continue to inspire people. [...] As long as I have gas in the tank, I will keep trying to inspire people as best I can."
