On October 30, the Casino de Montréal is set to host an evening of high-stakes professional boxing, orchestrated by Eye of the Tiger Promotions. This event isn`t just a card; it`s a meticulously crafted double-header featuring two headline acts, each promising significant implications for the careers of its participants. From established world champions to undefeated prospects and determined challengers, the stage is set for a memorable night.
Mary Spencer vs. Mikaela Mayer: A Clash of Olympic Legacies and World Titles
The first of the two main events pits WBA super-welterweight world champion Mary Spencer against American two-division world champion Mikaela Mayer. This matchup is not merely a title defense; it`s a compelling narrative of two elite athletes with intertwined Olympic histories and professional accolades.
Mary Spencer, a three-time amateur world champion and a representative for Canada at the London Olympics, has meticulously built a formidable professional career. With a record of 10-2 (6 KOs), the Montreal-based fighter captured the WBA super-welterweight world title in September, followed by a successful defense in April despite a serious hand injury that is now fully recovered. Her enthusiasm for this particular bout is palpable:
“Never in a thousand years did I think I’d get the chance to fight Mikaela Mayer. I’ve followed her career a lot, and as a fan, I love her style — but what excites me most is that our styles mesh so well that this will be a truly memorable fight. Saying I’m excited is an understatement, and I hope the fans are too, because this will be epic.”
Across the ring stands Mikaela Mayer, an Olympian from the Rio Games, boasting a record of 21-2 (5 KOs). Mayer arrives as the challenger, a somewhat unusual position for a fighter of her caliber. Her impressive resume includes holding the WBO and IBF super-featherweight titles, and more recently, the WBO welterweight world title, which she successfully defended in a rematch earlier this year. Her ambition is clear: to become a three-division world champion.
“I couldn’t get the undisputed fight with Lauren Price, so rather than take an easy touch, I looked for the next best challenge,” Mayer stated, underscoring her drive for significant challenges. “Beating Mary Spencer at 154 pounds will make me a three-division world champion, and although I may be on the smaller side, I have the necessary skills and experience. I’ll dethrone Mary and then head back down to welterweight to challenge Price. I will be stronger, sharper, and better than ever.”
The bout offers a fascinating dynamic: Spencer defending her championship on home turf, against Mayer, who is seeking to make history by climbing a third weight class. It’s a classic clash of styles and ambitions, promising technical prowess and unyielding will.
Wilkens Mathieu vs. Shakeel Phinn: Local Pride and Undefeated Records on the Line
The second headline event offers a different, yet equally compelling, narrative: the undefeated prospect against the seasoned challenger with a point to prove. Wilkens Mathieu (14-0, 10 KOs) faces Quebec’s own Shakeel Phinn (27-3-2, 17 KOs) in a super-middleweight clash with the NABF and WBC Continental Americas titles at stake.
Mathieu, known for his confidence and power, enters the fight with a flawless record. His trainer, Giuseppe Moffa, has openly predicted a highlight-reel knockout, reflecting Mathieu`s own declarations:
“This is clearly the biggest test of my career — but that doesn’t mean I’ll be tested. People always say boxing is about levels, and on September 30, I’m going to show everyone — including Shakeel Phinn — that he’s not on mine.”
Such assertive declarations often pave the way for an even more dramatic encounter. On the other side of the ring is Shakeel Phinn, “The Jamaican Juggernaut,” a fighter for whom the underdog role has become familiar territory. Phinn`s last outing at the Casino de Montréal in May resulted in a controversial draw against undefeated EOTTM fighter Erik Bazinyan, a result many, including Phinn himself, felt should have gone in his favor. This provides a potent motivation:
Phinn will undoubtedly seek to leave no room for doubt this time, aiming to definitively prove his capabilities and seize the titles. This bout represents a crucial step for Mathieu in solidifying his status as a top prospect, while for Phinn, it`s an opportunity for redemption and a clear path back to major title contention.
A Deep Card: Rising Stars and Title Defenses
Beyond the two main attractions, the October 30 card is stacked with talent, ensuring a full night of action for boxing enthusiasts:
- Top-10 super-lightweight contender Arthur Biyarslanov (19-0, 16 KOs) will make his fourth NABF title defense.
- Top-15 light heavyweight contender Mehmet Unal (13-0, 11 KOs) will defend his WBC Continental title for the first time.
- Top-20 welterweight contender Christopher Guerrero (15-0, 9 KOs) will make his second defense of the WBC Continental title.
- Fan favorite Thomas Chabot (11-0, 8 KOs) returns to action.
- Rising junior amateur world champion Erik Israyelyan (2-0, 2 KOs) will look to maintain his perfect professional record.
Eye of the Tiger Promotions has once again curated an event that showcases both the present and future of professional boxing. The Casino de Montréal is poised to witness a night where legacies are forged, titles are contested, and careers take definitive turns. For fans of the sweet science, October 30 promises to be an unmissable date on the boxing calendar.
Tristan Blackwood