This Friday, September 8, Christian Mbilli, an undefeated super middleweight fighter, will be defending his WBC Continental Americas title. He faces off against American challenger Demond Nicholson in a 10-round main event. The fight will take place at Theatre du Casino du Lac-Leamy in Gatineau, Canada.
Eye of the Tiger Promotions is hosting the event, and U.S. viewers can catch the live stream exclusively on ESPN+ beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.
Mbilli, with a record of 24-0 and 20 KOs, is originally from Cameroon but represented France in the 2016 Olympics. He’s been in the pro circuit for six years and claimed the Continental Americas title with a third-round TKO against Ronny Landaeta last September. Since then, he’s scored a series of top-leve wins, including an almost complete domination over American boxer Ronald Ellis and a fifth-round stoppage against Nadjib Mohammedi. Just this March, Mbilli managed to emerge victorious against Carlos Gongora, winning by unanimous decision after an intense fight.
On the other side, Demond Nicholson (26-5-1, 22 KOs) is a solid puncher with a decade of pro experience. He’s recovering from a decision loss to former two-division world champion Demetrius Andrade, which occurred in January.
As for the co-feature, it’s a 10-round junior welterweight fight where local hero Steve Claggett (35-7-2, 25 KOs) will defend his NABF title. He’s up against Mexican veteran Carlos Sanchez (24-1, 19 KOs). Claggett is riding a wave of six consecutive wins, one of which was a third-round TKO against former world champ Alberto Machado.
The card also includes middleweight up-and-comer Alexandre Gaumont (8-0, 6 KOs), who aims to extend his KO streak to five. He’ll be going toe-to-toe with Ulices Tovar Rivera (8-0, 5 KOs) in an eight-round bout.
Christian Mbilli, Moreno Fendero and Mehmet Unal added to the septmber 8th card in Gatineau
Following the delay of the grand event showcasing a unification bout with WBC, IBF, and WBO light heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev against Callum Smith, originally set for January 13, Eye of the Tiger has rearranged its upcoming schedule. This move ensures that athletes planning to box on August 19 remain active. Matches including the duel between Christian Mbilli and Demond Nicholson, along with fights featuring Moreno Fendero and Mehmet Unal, will now occur at the Casino du Lac-Leamy gala on September 8.
Currently topping the charts in the WBC super middleweight division and highly ranked by The Ring Magazine, WBA, and IBF, Christian Mbilli (24-0, 20 KOs), the reigning WBC Continental Americas champion, must perform impeccably against American Demond Nicholson (26-5-1, 22 KOs). This is a necessary step if Mbilli aims to challenge for the 168lb world titles now in the hands of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Nicholson, a seasoned boxer who has faced titans like Edgar Berlanga and Demetrius Andrade, is known for his aggressive approach, promising an electrifying showdown for fans.
Christian Mbilli expressed his initial disappointment at the postponement, stating: “I was eager to know the new date just like all the fans. I must thank my team for their quick actions in keeping me active by rescheduling my fight to September 8th. I’m staying focused on training because regardless of the date, the goal remains the same; defeat the opponent, secure another victory, and continue my progress.”
The Gatineau event will also present two championship bouts. The new NABF super lightweight champion, Steve Claggett (35-7-2, 25 KOs), will make his first title defense against former WBA world champion Alberto Machado, facing the devastating puncher, Carlos Sanchez Valadez (24-1, 19 KOs), known as “El Tiburon.”
Moreover, local hero Alexandre Gaumont (8-0, 6 KOs) will take on undefeated Ulices Tovar Rivera (8-0, 5 KOs), and Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse (5-1, 2 KOs) will challenge Timea Nagy (2-1, 2 KOs). Other notable appearances include Christopher Guerrero (7-0, 3 KOs), Luis Santana (9-0, 3 KOs), and Jhon Orobio (3-0, 3 KOs).
Tickets for the eagerly awaited #MbilliNicholson gala are available via Ticketmaster. Stay in touch with EOTTM and its athletes by joining the EOTTM WhatsApp community through the provided link.