Montreal Lights Up: Two Title Fights, Two Epic Narratives on October 30

On October 30, the Casino de Montréal is set to host an evening of professional boxing that promises to deliver far more than just punches. Eye of the Tiger Promotions has meticulously crafted a double-header card, showcasing not one, but two main events, each brimming with compelling storylines, high stakes, and the kind of competitive fire that defines the sport. From a clash of Olympic pedigrees to a showdown between an undefeated phenom and a battle-hardened underdog, Montreal is about to become the epicenter of pugilistic drama.

A World Title Unification in Spirit: Spencer vs. Mayer

The first headline act pits Canada’s own WBA Super-Welterweight World Champion, Mary Spencer (10-2, 6 KOs), against the formidable American, Mikaela Mayer (21-2, 5 KOs). This isn`t just a title defense; it`s a collision of two decorated Olympians, each with a distinct and compelling path to this moment.

Mary Spencer: The Champion`s Resurgence

Spencer, a three-time amateur world champion and a representative of Canada at the London Olympics, has steadily climbed the professional ranks. Her journey culminated last September when she captured the WBA super-welterweight world title. A successful defense followed in April, a testament to her tenacity, especially considering she navigated that bout with a serious hand injury – now fully recovered and, presumably, itching for action. Her excitement is palpable:

“Never in a thousand years did I think I’d get the chance to fight Mikaela Mayer… our styles mesh so well that this will be a truly memorable fight.”

It’s a rare moment when a champion expresses such fan-like admiration for an opponent, suggesting a respect that will only heighten the intensity once the bell rings.

Mikaela Mayer: The Ambitious Challenger

On the other side of the ring stands Mayer, an Olympian herself from the Rio Games, who finds herself in the unusual position of challenger. Her resume is undeniably impressive: former WBO and IBF super-featherweight champion, interim WBC lightweight titleholder, and most recently, WBO welterweight world champion – a title she successfully defended in a rematch just this past March. Mayer is not merely seeking another belt; she`s pursuing legacy, with a clear, almost audacious, strategy in mind:

“Beating Mary Spencer at 154 pounds will make me a three-division world champion, and although I may be on the smaller side, I have the necessary skills and experience. I’ll dethrone Mary and then head back down to welterweight to challenge [Lauren] Price.”

Mayer`s frank assessment of her plans – using Spencer as a stepping stone to a future undisputed fight – adds a layer of sharp-edged determination to this already high-stakes encounter. It`s a calculated risk, but one she`s clearly confident will pay off. The question remains: can Spencer disrupt those carefully laid plans?

Youthful Confidence vs. Seasoned Resilience: Mathieu vs. Phinn

The second main event presents a different, yet equally captivating, dynamic: the undefeated, heavy-hitting prospect Wilkens Mathieu (14-0, 10 KOs) taking on the tenacious veteran Shakeel Phinn (27-3-2, 17 KOs). This super-middleweight clash isn`t just about titles; it`s about proving a point, both to the boxing world and, perhaps, to themselves.

Wilkens Mathieu: The Unbeaten Juggernaut

Mathieu, with a perfect record and a remarkable knockout ratio, exudes the kind of self-assuredness often seen in rising stars. His confidence borders on the absolute, with a declaration that leaves little room for doubt:

“This is clearly the biggest test of my career — but that doesn’t mean I’ll be tested… on October 30, I’m going to show everyone — including Shakeel Phinn — that he’s not on mine.”

His trainer, Giuseppe Moffa, echoed this sentiment, promising a “highlight-reel KO.” Mathieu will be fighting for the NABF and WBC Continental Americas super-middleweight titles, aiming to add significant hardware to his burgeoning career.

Shakeel Phinn: The Underdog`s Bite

However, dismissing Shakeel Phinn, “The Jamaican Juggernaut,” would be a grave miscalculation. Phinn thrives on being the underdog, a role he embraced just this past May at the very same Casino de Montréal. Against another undefeated EOTTM fighter, Erik Bazinyan, Phinn – a heavy 8-to-1 underdog – fought to a draw, a result he believes should have been a victory. This experience, far from discouraging him, has likely sharpened his resolve.

Phinn represents the gritty, unyielding spirit of boxing. He’s not here for moral victories; he`s here to ensure that this time, there are no ambiguities. The clash between Mathieu`s raw power and Phinn`s veteran craft promises to be a compelling study in contrasting styles and mentalities.

A Stacked Undercard: More Than Just Main Events

Beyond the two headline attractions, the October 30 card is a robust showcase of talent, reflecting Eye of the Tiger Promotions` commitment to developing and presenting top-tier fighters:

• Arthur Biyarslanov (19-0, 16 KOs): The top-10 super-lightweight contender will make his fourth NABF title defense.
• Mehmet Unal (13-0, 11 KOs): The top-15 light heavyweight contender defends his WBC Continental title for the first time.
• Christopher Guerrero (15-0, 9 KOs): Top-20 welterweight contender makes his second defense of the WBC Continental title.
• Thomas Chabot (11-0, 8 KOs): A fan favorite returning to action.
• Erik Israyelyan (2-0, 2 KOs): The rising junior amateur world champion looks to maintain his flawless professional record.

This supporting cast ensures that from the opening bell to the final punch of the main events, the energy in the Casino de Montréal will be electric.

Eye of the Tiger Promotions continues its tradition of delivering action-packed evenings, and October 30 is poised to be another standout. With world titles on the line, undefeated streaks to protect, and personal legacies to forge, the Montreal boxing scene is gearing up for an unforgettable night. Whether you`re drawn to the strategic chess match of two elite female champions or the explosive collision of a rising star and a determined veteran, this card promises to deliver high-octane drama and definitive statements in the squared circle.