In an IBF light heavyweight world title eliminator, 7:1 underdog Michael Eifert (12-1, 4 KOs) scored a surprising twelve round unanimous decision over 40-year-old former world champion Jean Pascal (36-7-1, 20 KOs) became mandatory challenger for IBF light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev. The quicker Eifert, 25, outboxed and outworked Pascal, while Pascal mostly missed with wild power punches. Eifert slowed down a bit midway and Pascal began to connect more often. However, Eifert continued to outwork Pascal, who often looked old and sluggish late in the fight. Scores were 118-110, 115-113, 117-111.
Junior welterweight Mathieu Germain (22-2-1, 9 KOs) scored a ten round unanimous decision against Steven Wilcox (24-4-1, 7 KOs). Scores were 96-94, 97-93, 97-93.
In an upset, unheralded female junior welterweight Karla Ramos Zamora (10-9-1, 2 KOs) scored a fourth round TKO against former world title challenger Jessica Camara (10-4, 2 KOs). A barrage of unanswered punches prompted a referee’s stoppage. Time was 1:46. Zamora claimed the IBF International title.
2016 Olympian light heavyweight “Mighty” Joe Ward (9-1, 5 KOs) needed just 91 seconds to annihilate previously undefeated Mario Andrade Rodriguez (7-1, 4 KOs). Ward dropped Rodriguez with a left hook then quickly finished him.
Absolutely gutted for Camara – love watching her fight. That’s Camara, Clave and Spencer all losing in Canada in the last few months and Dicaire lost her fight to Natasha Jonas in England as well.
No one cares
Lucie cares.
Never understood why people did that Gary. If you don’t care then just move right along. Easiest thing in the world.
Just enough to comment though, right?
“Dont look at me!!!!!!!!!” He screamed at startled people who, up to that point, hadn’t noticed the insignificant person even existed.
Had Pascal won and got the shot at Beterbiev I may have made the trip to Montreal. Been awhile since I was there for a big fight (Pascal-Bute). Health wise it might be better that he lost as Beterbiev would brutalize him. I never saw it…but it sounds like the younger guy fought the right fight. Sometimes older fighters can still look good if one fights the wrong fight. Often though a younger guy will just decide to fight a fight that an older guy cannot win and worry about his own short cummings on another night. Tommy Morrison Vs George Foreman comes to mind.
That’s a big fight in Montreal but, yeah, I think Eifert may’ve done Pascal a favor, Pete.
Now the people of Eifert have to sell to him that Beterbiev is only a couple of years younger then Pascal so he might be able to out speed him as well!!! Very tough sell though and likely snake oil! Lol! If they do it in Montreal and Pascal wishes to continue he could rematch Eleider Alvarez on the undercard. They had a good fight a few years back and would likely have another one. I know those two should both retire but if they are going to fight…why not fight each other?
I was thinking Alvarez may’ve already called it a day, Pete. He’s been out 2 and a half years and last I heard, he was going up to cruiser. But, I agree, if they’re going to keep fighting – why not run the rematch?
Normally, I would say that Beterbiev probably just wouldn’t even bother fighting Eifert, but he’s probably getting Smith next in the summer-ish and then go after Bivol, but Bivol might have Canelo at that point so… yeah, unfortunately, Eifert may have to fight Beterbiev…. good luck Mike!
Michael Eifert was impressive; well-conditioned & disciplined. I was a little worried he might get robbed in Pascal’s hometown.
Can you really call a 25 year old legit boxer beating a 40 year old a “stunner”?
Kris Pissedofferson, agree. So what I did enjoy was when a 42 y old Takam beat the 30 y old Yoka.
Me too! Takam is one of those guys that you can never rule out and will be a dangerous opponent until the day he retires.
I reckon FN has a template article they put out in a situation like this. I read the exact same article when Sam Soliman was beaten as a passed-it ex-world champ by some bloke with only a few fights on his record
Kris, in today’s world, with the improved “supplements”, it might not be too far off. Perhaps the lack of said supplements did pascal in.
The IBF really know what the fans want. Is there anything better than a mandatory title defense?!?!? Name one time a mandatory title defense wasn’t a great? You can’t!!!! More mandatories!!!!! Why would you want top tier boxers facing top tier boxers? That’s so boring. That’s so 1974. We need more top boxers fighting 12 fight novices. That’s where the real action is!!!!
1974 was one of the best years on record. No worries about the matchups though, the PBC follows that script well.
I’m German and I admit I didn’t even know Eifert before. Gratulation!
End of the line, time to call it a day
pascal on his final days the young german clearly outboxed pascal the german kid can take a shot also he has fast hands clearly a upset
All of the wars that Pascal has been in may have caught up with him. He gave the public so many exciting fights and maybe now is the time to hang them up.
Pascal has had a good career – his record is littered with the best around his division, including a brief stint as a Ring Champ – but at 40, now’s the time to call it quits.
Like I said Jean Pascal needs to retire before he gets really hurt.
Pascal is a warrior and I have enjoyed his career but its clearly time. Here is to having a great life champ!