CANADA’S former world champion Jean Pascal has made weight to challenge Dmitry Bivol for the WBA light-heavyweight title.
Pascal scaled 174.6lbs, Bivol was 174.4lbs. They will fight for the world title at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic on Saturday (November 24).
In an ill tempered face off, Pascal pressed his head into Bivol’s forehead. The Russian kept his cool, just about, but Pascal is clearly highly motivated. He will however be the underdog. In a competitive division, Bivol, only 14-0, is already a world champion and one of the most impressive boxers in his weight class.
Pascal emerged from a brief retirement four months ago to beat Steve Bosse, a boxing novice who was an ex MMA fighter/hockey player. It took Pascal eight rounds to beat him, which does not bode well for this clash with Bivol. But Pascal promises, “Going to be an epic fight. Dmitry Bivol used to be my sparring partner three years ago. Very talented fighter.”
Bivol can’t afford to lose, especially as his aim is to unify the entire division. “It’s very important for me. It’s every boxer’s dream to be the champion, the unified champion. It’s a big step to dream about,” he said.
Be water, my friend. (c) Bruce Lee pic.twitter.com/I7FollVIW7
— Dmitry Bivol (@bivol_d) 17 November 2018
With HBO pulling out of boxing, this will be one of the last fights the esteemed broadcaster will screen before they exit the sport.
BoxNation televise in the UK.
