FORMER light-heavyweight world champion Jean Pascal, a fighter known, among other things, for his multiple failed drug tests, has been presented with a mystifying opportunity at cruiserweight.
Despite not being ranked by the sanctioning body, Pascal, 37-7-1 (21 KOs), is nonetheless set to enter a WBC interim title clash with seasoned contender Michal Cieslak.
As it happens, Cieslak was supposed to square off against Argentinian operator Yamil Peralta, with the winner becoming the mandatory challenger for Badou Jack’s green and gold strap.
But now, following ‘complications’ involving Peralta, the WBC has instead authorised a dustup between Pascal and Cieslak for its vacant interim belt.
While a date is yet to emerge, it would appear that Pascal, who has done very little to earn the matchup, will claim a home advantage in Canada.
The 42-year-old has, of course, previously faced WBC world champion Jack, with their thrilling encounter back in 2019 delivering fireworks from the opening bell.
After Pascal emerged with a split decision victory, the pair – campaigning down at 175lbs at the time – were then set to collide again in 2020.
However, their rematch was scuppered after the Canadian tested positive for several banned substances, including epitrenbolone and drostanolone, which inspired the WBA to slap him with a lenient six-month suspension.
As is often the case, though, Pascal has since been welcomed back to his sport with open arms, losing to Michael Eifert before halting limited operator Terry Osias ahead of his showdown with Cieslak.
The winner, it seems, will put himself in pole position to face Jack, who looks to make a successful defence of his title against WBC ‘champion in recess’ Noel Mikaelian on May 3.
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