Arslanbek Makhmudov returns December 16

On December 16, Eye of the Tiger will take Shawinigan by storm, with several of their headliners coming together. The end-of-year fireworks, presented by EOTTM in association with the Cataractes de Shawinigan at the Centre Gervais Auto, will feature Arslanbek Makhmudov, Simon Kean, Steven Butler, Mary Spencer, Thomas Chabot, Leila Beaudoin and Alexandre Gaumont, and will be simulcast on Punching Grace, and on ESPN+ in the United States.

“This is a dream come true for us, and the event on December 16 will go down in the region’s history,” adds Roger Lavergne, president of the Shawinigan Cataractes. “Bringing professional boxing back to Shawinigan is already a big deal, but having an event of this magnitude, where top-caliber athletes will be defending their titles, live on American TV, is definitely a hat trick!”

As 2022 comes to a close, EOTTM wants to finish strong by treating the local boxing fans and the choice of Shawinigan as host city was a no-brainer for the Montreal organization.

“Over the years, Shawinigan has really become a second home to Eye of the Tiger, and a necessary stepping stone for all Quebec boxers. It’s been the stage for thrilling fights that have given us some of the most memorable moments in our history. That was our goal when we decided to partner with the Cataractes, and now we’re proud to enhance the city’s international recognition through the December 16 event,” says EOTTM president Camille Estephan.

Michel Angers, mayor of Shawinigan, also highlights the positive aspects of the event for his city.

“We are proud to host a sixth international boxing event right here in our city. The event will propel Shawinigan into the limelight, and we are more than ready to partner other large-scale events like this one,” he adds.

The opponents who will be confronting the EOTTM athletes have yet to be announced, but boxing fans have every right to be on the edge of their seats in anticipation of the upcoming card, which will be a round-up of explosive and powerful boxers.

Currently ranked fourth in the world WBC ranking, and heavyweight titleholder in the WBC Silver, the NABA and the NABF rankings, Makhmudov (15-0, 14 KOs) is knocking on the door of a world championship bout. The EOTTM protégé will have no margin of error and will have to deliver a flawless performance in order to hold on to his claim to the heavyweight title.

Trois-Rivières native Kean (21-1, 20 KOs) has impressed many a local fan with his boxing prowess, including in his clashes against Adam Braidwood and Dillon Carman.

Butler (31-3-1, 26 KOs), whose devastating power punches have earned him the nickname “Bang Bang”, will be back in the ring following his stellar defense of his NABF middleweight belt against southpaw Mark DeLuca.

WBA International and WBC Silver titleholder Spencer (7-0, 5 KOs) has been electrifying her fans with a series of decisive victories that have allowed her to shoot up the rankings since her pro debut. After only seven fights, she is already ranked #1 in the world rankings of the IBF, the WBA and the WBC.

Chabot (7-0, 7 KOs), Beaudoin (7-0, 1 KO) and Gaumont (4-0, 2 KOs) are also on the card against opponents to be determined.