While the August 19 event at Videotron Center featuring unified WBC, IBF, and WBO light heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev against British boxer Callum Smith was already anticipated as a historic showdown, Eye of the Tiger and Top Rank will undoubtedly thrill boxing fans with the announcement of a spectacular co-main event as Simon Kean take on Guido Vianello. Scheduled for 10 rounds, the bout will be broadcast live on ESPN in the United States and on the Punching Grace network in Canada.
Simon Kean (23-1, 22 KOs) silenced his critics in his most recent fight on March 23, when he faced American boxer Eric Molina in the ring at Casino de Montréal. The Quebec heavyweight delivered a spectacular knockout in the 7th round, securing his 23rd career victory. EOTTM’s protégé expressed his readiness to move on to the next phase of his career and was eager to accept the challenge posed by Vianello.
“Vianello is a big contender, the biggest challenge of my career, but I’m there. I’m training hard, and it paid off in my last fight, I’m a 2.0 version of the Grizzly. Nothing has been left to chance in preparation for this fight against the Italian Olympian, and it promises to be a smashing victory for me!” said Simon Kean.
“Simon Kean wants to prove that he belongs among the elite in the heavyweight division, and with an opponent of Guido’s caliber, it will be the perfect opportunity to do so. Vianello’s reputation is well-established on the international scene. He is one of the most promising prospects right now. Therefore, this bout will serve as a stepping stone for the winner on the global chessboard,” said Camille Estephan, President of EOTTM.
Guido Vianello (10-1, 9 KOs) has followed a similar path to the one dubbed “Grizzly” in the amateur ranks, having participated in numerous prestigious international competitions. He competed in the 2016 Olympic Games and secured a position in the top 10 of the division, which included renowned opponents such as Tony Yoka, Joe Joyce, and Filip Hrgovic. Since turning professional in 2018, Vianello has fought 12 times, winning 9 of his 10 victories by knockout.
“I’m in great shape and looking to avenge the freak accident that ended my fight last time. Simon Kean is a big name in Canada, and I’m coming for a knockout. This is my new era. I see only myself in the center of the ring, and any opponent is just stopping me from getting to where I want to be”, mentioned Guido Vianello.
Kean’s coach, Jessy Ross Thompson, acknowledges that Vianello represents the biggest challenge in Simon Kean’s career thus far but believes that his protégé possesses all the skills necessary to emerge victorious in the bout:
“Even though he has less professional experience than Simon, we are aware that he has the talent and abilities to cause significant damage in the division. However, based on what we witnessed from Simon in his last fight and the surprise he delivered against Molina, I am confident that he will prevail and leave the ring with the victory.”
The WBC Continental Americas champion currently ranked #1 in the super middleweight division, Christian Mbilli (24-0, 20 KOs) as well as Mehmet Nadir Unal (4-0, 4 KOs), Leïla Beaudoin (9-1, 1 KO), Wilkens Mathieu (2-0, 1 KO) and Clovis Drolet (13-1, 9 KOs) will also be featured on the card.