InterBox and Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) are very pleased to confirm the rescheduled date for the much anticipated Light Heavyweight bout featuring Jean Pascal (28-2-1, 17 KO) vs. Lucian Bute (31-1-0, 24 KO). Pascal vs. Bute will take place on Saturday, January 18th 2014 at the Montreal Bell Centre. HBO World Championship Boxing will televise.
Right here, find the photos, quotes and notes from the press conference announcing Pascal vs. Bute.
This high profile bout between two former World champions was originally scheduled to take place last May 25th, but was postponed due to an injury to Lucian Bute’s left hand.
Yvon Michel, President of GYM, is very enthusiastic that this long awaited bout is finally rescheduled: “We are preparing for an event like no other in Canadian history. This event will be the new measuring stick for us in our sport, and this statement is true as much for boxing fans as it is for the fight itself and the intensity surrounding it”.
“We are excited to finally present this event. Our fans have waited a long time for this. Both boxers are ready so believe me, nobody will regret the wait,”adds InterBox president Jean Bedard.
“Finally! I have been waiting for this fight for years,” states former World Light Heavyweight champion Jean Pascal, who celebrated his 31st birthday on Monday. “I believe my opponent’s team conspired to postpone the fight in an attempt to demoralize me. Believe me, it did not work! On January 18th the ring will be too small for the both of us. Bute will not be able to hide. I will expose him”.
“As you all know already, I will arrive to the ring very well prepared. This is a fight that I wanted. I am going to have fun on January 18th, and so are the majority of Quebecers present at the Bell Centre,” declares former Super Middleweight champion Lucian Bute, who will be stepping up to Light Heavyweight for the bout.
Over the last few years, Quebec has become globally known for the quality of its boxers, the Champions it has developed, as well as the competencies of the two biggest promoters, GYM and InterBox.
It has now become second nature for boxing fans throughout Quebec to expect thrilling fights and intriguing boxing events loaded with talent right in their own backyard. What started off as local interest has now caught the eye of the most popular International broadcaster in the World, HBO. This prestigious network will be visiting Quebec and producing their 4th major Show in the Province in 7 months time.
“We have nothing to envy from anyone. We can compete with every American city. HBO loves coming here and have genuine interest in all our boxers, not just the champions. This is definitely a source of pride for us,” states Jean Bedard.
“Over 15,000 tickets have already been sold. We are convinced we will pass the 20,000 fan mark at the Bell Centre. The entire World will be looking in with admiration on January 18th,” states Yvon Michel.
Antidoping tests
Both boxers have signed the antidoping protocol and will be tested randomly over the next two and a half month period. These tests, comprised of urine and blood collection, are subject to World Anti Doping Agenecy (WADA) standards, which are similar to Olympic style testing.
