Canadian heavyweight Alexis Barriere, last seen stopping Ubaldo Ilagor in six rounds, has signed a co-promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom, Groupe Yvon Michel and Goldstar Promotions.
In February, he defeated Ilagor in Quebec as part of Matchroom’s first venture into Canada, and he scored his ninth stoppage in 12 fights.
The 29-year-old southpaw was formerly a part of Team Canada, is trained by SugarHill Steward and he sparred with Tyson Fury ahead of both fights the giant Englishman had with Oleksandr Usyk.
“I am very happy and excited to be joining the Matchroom team,” said Barriere. “I want to thank Eddie Hearn, Frank Smith, Groupe Yvon Michel and my manager Brian Peters for this great opportunity.
“I am extremely grateful for the trust they have placed in me, and I will repay them by becoming their next world heavyweight champion. I can’t wait to be back in the ring to begin this new chapter in this great journey.”
“I’m delighted to welcome Alexis to the team,” said Hearn. “Alexis showed in Quebec what he’s all about and what everyone wants to see in the heavyweight division – big punching knockouts. The division is always evolving, and with the assets Alexis has, there’s no doubt that he can become a major player, and working with Yvon Michel and DAZN, we’ll make sure he has every opportunity to achieve his dream.”
“There was no doubt in our minds that the best organization in the world to bring Alexis to the greatest summits was Matchroom and its strong young dynamic team like its leader Eddie Hearn,” said Michel. “This partnership will allow Alexis to evolve on the international scene as well as in Canada, to become a great champion and through his personality as well as his charisma he will transcend the sport to become a model and an inspiration for all.”