WBA #2, WBC #3, WBO #3, IBF #5 super middleweight Erik Bazinyan (32-0, 23 KOs) will attempt to defend his NABF title for the 7th time against crosstown rival Shakeel “The Jamaican Juggernaut” Phinn (26-3-1, 17 KOs) in a ten-rounder on April 11 at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal. The full card will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
Promoter Camille Estephan stated, “For us, it’s out of the question for Erik to wait without fighting because of the bottleneck created by the current world champion Canelo Alvarez. So we continue our journey while seeking challenges for him, and Shakeel Phinn is definitely one of them. I tip my hat to them for accepting the challenge because obviously, the aspect of a local fight adds a lot of emotions. Boxing fans, who demand these duels between the best in the country, will certainly be the big winners. I can’t wait for this evening!”
Estephan also promotes WBC #1, WBA #1, IBF #3, WBO #4 super middleweight Christian Mbilli, who, likewise, is waiting on a shot at Canelo.
It would be a tragedy and so unfair if either of these two fighters gets a crack at Canelo, neither Mbili or Bazinyan have fought anybody of decent level. Mbili best win came against Gongora, Bazinyan against Coceres. They have to fight each other, then the winner gets Morell and then they might have a chance to fight Canelo.
I definitely think they should fight one another, but if that were a possibility, they probably would have already by now.
I actually think they’re both waiting for Canelo to vacate and then they’ll both either be high enough to get a fight for a vacant title or enforce a mandatory with Benavidez, Morrell or whoever it is at the time for a full title. I don’t think either one of them is legitimately thinking they’ll fight Canelo.
As a smaller promoter, Esteban likely isn’t afforded the option of putting of his two ranked fighters against each other unless there was a title on the line. Wouldn’t make much business sense otherwise.
What is with the Montreal area producing so many talented Supermiddleweight boxers over the years? There’s been a ton! I would disagree that Mbilli has never beaten decent level competition. True, he has never fought at the highest level, but he has a number of wins against fringe contender types. I don’t know if it’s confirmed or not, but I heard he may be fighting Morrell next. Although I am a fan of Mbilli, I think we would get thoroughly outboxed by Morrell.