MIAMI, FL (August 9, 2024) — The World’s Greatest Promoter, Don King, has announced the return to the ring of WBC World Cruiserweight Champion Noel “The Dark Horse” Mikaelian (27-2, 12 KOs) as he faces Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (20-1, 19 KOs) in an explosive night of fights set for Saturday, Sept. 28 at Casino Miami Jai Alai.

Mikaelian from Yerevan, Armenia, fighting out of Miami, was originally scheduled to defend his world title Rozicki from Ontario, Canada, on June 7 but the fight was postponed due to a cut Mikaelian suffered in training near his eye.

“It was disappointing that I wasn’t able to face ‘The Bruiser’ in June, but my injury has healed to perfection and I’m ready to go,” Mikaelian said. “I can’t wait for September 28^th and to defend my world title during this massive Don King event.”

King said there is no debate that the matchup is between the world’s top cruiserweights fighting at the 200-pound limit. “Even minus the Mikaelian-Rozicki matchup we had a near-sellout crowd at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood in June headlined by Biair “The Flair” Cobbs and Adrien “The Problem” Broner,” King said. “The word is out that we are still producing the best fights in all of boxing and fights that the world wants to see and that boxing fans are clamoring for!”

King added the September fight date was previously discussed to take place September 14^th, but moved off that date because of the busy combat sports calendar with Mexican superstate Canelo Alvarez fighting, as well as the first UFC fight at the Sphere in Las Vegas. 

Added Rozicki, the WBC’s No. 1 contender and ranked No. 8 by the WBA. “I’m glad we were able to reschedule this fight, and now I will finally get what is rightfully mine. Mikaelian can’t delay my date with destiny any longer and I will put that world title belt around my waist come September 28^th.”

The Don King Productions fight card will be broadcast on Pay Per View via Triller TV, DonKing.com and Itube247.com.

Tickets, priced starting from $25, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.playcasinomiami.com. Floor seats are $150, ringside seats are $750, and next level tables $2,500. 

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL (May 8, 2024)—There is no better in the business than Hall of Fame boxing promoter Don King when it comes to building an action-packed championship night of boxing and he hasn’t failed the fans in putting together the Friday, June 7^th card at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in a co-promotion with Kris Lawrence’s The Heavyweight Factory. 

 Six title fights are main events on the one card plus two rising stars from Miami and Ft. Lauderdale will be showcased with one of the main events finding WBC World Cruiserweight championship Norair “The Dark Horse” Mikaeljan (27-2, 12 KOs)  of Miami facing the number one challenger in Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (20-1, 19 KOs) from Ontario, Canada. 

King is dedicating this great boxing card to the honor of the life and legacy of the late great Jose Sulaiman in the spirit of fighting for world peace.  “Jose was at the forefront of always putting on great fights and we plan to honor him with this great card,” said King. 

The popular and exciting WBA Continental USA Middleweight Champion, Paterson, NJ’s

Ian “The Young General” Green (18-2 with 12 KOs) will be defending his title against Toledo’s Roy Barringer (10-4, 6 KOs).  The fan favorite Green enters this bout on the strength of six straight victories. 

WBA NABA Light Heavyweight Champion Ahmed “The American Pharoah” Elbiali (23-1, 18 KOs) will defend his title against Roamer Alexis Angulo (28-3, 23 KOs) of the Dominican Republic via Colombia.

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The fourth title fight of the night will be for the WBC International Lightweight championship as champion Antonio Perez (9-0, 5 KOs) of Harrisburg, PA will challenge local favorite Antonio Williams (16-0-1, 7 KOs) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. 

A great WBA heavyweight special attraction title bout will spotlight two rising stars in the division as Cassius Chaney (23-1, 16 KOs) of New London, CT will battle Michael “The Bounty” Hunter (21-1-2, 15 KOs) of Las Vegas, NV.  Chaney will be risking his WBA Continental North American Championship belt. 

An extra added sensational featured attraction for the WBC People’s Championship featuring Adrien “The Problem” Broner (35-4-1 with 24 KOs) of Cincinnati and Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (16-1-1 with 10 KOs) of Las Vegas, NV if Broner shows up.  Blair will be there. 

Rising hometown sensation De’von Williams (4-0, 4 KOs) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL will meet Travis Floyd of Douglasville, GA in a super lightweight attraction and Miami’s Michael Oliveira (21-2, 16 KOs) will be spotlighted in a super middleweight attraction for eight rounds.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster for “Fist of Fury”.  Tickets are priced at $75, $100 and $200.  Ringside seats are $500 and tables are priced at $5,500. 

All bouts are subject to change. 

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL (April 25, 2024)—Hall of Fame boxing promoter Don King and Kris Lawrence’s The Heavyweight Factory present an exciting evening of first-class boxing featuring Adrien “The Problem” Broner (35-4-1 with 24 KOs) and Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (16-1-1 with 10 KOs) on Friday, June 7^th at the beautiful Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

The long anticipated featured fight of the night will see Cincinnati’s Adrien Broner stepping into the ring against former NABF Welterweight Champion Blair Cobbs. This high-stakes matchup marks Cobbs’ return to the ring for the first time in nearly two years, facing off against the highly decorated Broner as they fight for the WBC “People’s Championship”.

On the heels of an impressive knockout victory, newly crowned WBC Cruiserweight Champion Norair “The Dark Horse” Mikaeljan (27-2 with 12 KOs) aims to defend his title for the first time against Canada’s hard-hitting Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (20-1 with 19 KOs).

In addition, Paterson, NJ’s Ian “The Young General” Green (18-2 with 12 KOs) will be defending his WBA Continental USA Middleweight title. The fan-favorite Green enters this bout on the strength of six straight victories.

In addition to the above three championship fights, a heavyweight feature fight is set as

Cassius Chaney (23-1, 16 KOs) of New London, CT takes on Michael “The Bounty” Hunter (22-1-2, 16 KOs) of Las Vegas, NV.

“This spectacular fighting event is dedicated to the honor of the life and legacy of the late great Jose Sulaiman in the spirit of world peace,” said promoter Don King. “Jose was at the forefront of always putting on great fights and we plan to honor him with this great card.”

“I want to thank Mauricio Sulaiman and Don King for this great opportunity for Ryan Rozicki,” said Dan Otter, promoter for Rozicki.    “Rozicki won’t disappoint boxing fans in his quest for a title.”

WBA NABA Light Heavyweight Champion Ahmed “The American Pharoah” Elbiali (23-1, 18 KOs) will defend his title and Michael “The Brazilian Rocky” Oliveira (21-2, 16 KOs) of Miami, FL will be featured in a super middleweight attraction. NABA Welterweight Champion Tresean “Trigger” Wiggins (16-5-3, 9 KOs) of Newburgh, New York will defend his title.  All opponents are to be announced.

Cruiserweight sensation Yuniel “The KO Doctor” Dorticos (26-2, 24 KOs) from Cuba and young Cuban middleweight rising star Yoenlis Feliciano “Yoyo” Hernandez (3-0) will also be featured on the boxing card. 

Rising star, hometown sensation De’von Williams (4-0, 4 KOs) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL will meet Travis Floyd of Douglasville, GA.

Ticket prices will be announced soon. 

Oscar Rivas became the 1st ever WBC Bridgeeweight champion with a 12-round unanimous decision over Ryan Rozicki in a bout that took place at the Olympic Theatre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

In round 11, blood started leaking from the nose of Rozicki

Rivas, 222.2 lbs of Montreal, won by scores of 116-111 and 115-112 on two cards, and is now 28-1. Rozicki, 203 lbs of Poland is 13-1.

Francis Charbonneau won a four-round unanimous decision over Alexandre Roberge in a heavyweight fight.

In round one, Charbonneau hurt Roberge with an uppercut and then dropped him with a right hand.

Charbboneau, 199.8 lbs won by scores of 40-35 and 39-36 twice and is now 4-1. Roberge, 207 lbs is 1-2-1.

Terry Osias remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Joaquin Muriega in a light heavyweight contest.

Osias, 172.6 lbs won by 60-54 scores on all cards, and is now 10-0. Muriega, 173.4 lbs if 9-10-3.

Alexis Barriere remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Rafael Sanchez Ruiz in a heavyweight bout.

In round one, Barriere dropped Ruiz with with a left hook. Moments later, it was another left that put Ruiz down.

Barriere, 235 lbs won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 4-0. Ruiz, 211 lbs of Mexico is 5-2.

Kevin Menoche won a four-round unanimous decision over Thad Ridsdill in a junior middleweight fight.

In round one, Menoche dropped Ridsdill with a combination.

Menoche, 153.8 lbs won by scores of 39-36 and 38-37 and is now 5-0. Ridsdill, 153.4 lbs of Oshwa, ONT is 2-3,

MONTREAL (October 21, 2021) – All fighters made weight today for tomorrow night’s “The Conquest: Oscar Rivas vs. Ryan Rozicki,” promoted Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) in collaboration with Three Lions Promotions, presented by Mise-O-Jeu, at Montreal Olympia, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

No. 1 ranked Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas and Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki headline in the 12-round main event for the Inaugural World Boxing Council (WBC) Bridgerweight Championship.

“The Conquest” will be broadcast live in nearly fifty countries. In Quebec, the event will be available on pay-per-view television on Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV and Fite.tv.

Tickets are on sale at ticketmaster.ca. For group orders, contact GYM at 514-383-0666 extension # 5, or by emailing info@groupeyvonmichel.ca.

Fighters’ official weights below:

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

MAIN EVENT – VACANT WBC BRIDGERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (12)

Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (27-1, 19 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada 222.2 lbs.

Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (13-0, 13 KOs), Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada 203 lbs.

CO-FEATURE – WELTERWEIGHTS (8)

Sebastien Bouchard (19-2, 8 KOs), Baie-Saint-Paul, Ontario, Canada 148.6 lbs.

Sergio “Checo” Ortega (24-2, 18 KOs), Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico 148.2 lbs.

HEAVYWEIGHTS (6)

Francis Charbonneau (3-1, 1 KO), Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada 199.8 lbs.

Alexandre Roberge (1-1, 0 KOs), Lanoraie, Quebec, Canada 208 lbs.

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS (6)

Terry Osias (9-0, 4 KOs), Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada 172.7 lbs.

Joaquin Murrieta (9-9-3, 7 KOs), Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico 173.4 lbs.

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS (4)

Kevin Menoche (4-0, 4 KOs), Repentigney, Quebec, Canada 153.8 lbs.

Thad Ridsdill (2-2-1, 1 KO), Oshawa, Ontario, Canada 153.4 lbs.

HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)

Alexis Barriere (3-0, 3 Kos), Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada 235 lbs.

Rafael “Rafaga” Sanchez Rojas (5-1, 3 KOs), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico 211 lbs.

FACEBOOK: @groupeyvonmichel

LINKEDIN: @groupeyvonmichel

TWITTER: @yvonmichelGYM

GroupeYM #RivasRozicki

Source: Yvon Michel Group

ABOUT GROUPE YVON MICHEL (GYM): Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, each still active within the company. GYM is the most prolific organization in Canadian professional boxing history. Since its founding, GYM has promoted 158 events in Quebec, all broadcast in Quebec on RDS, TVA Sports or Radio-Canada, in addition to participating in thirty-seven international events outside Quebec. Six boxers became world champions: Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez and Marie-Eve Dicaire. Sixteen of the organization’s boxers have fought in forty-eight world championship bouts, sporting an excellent record of 24 wins, 22 losses and 2 draws. During this period, the major American television networks were more active than ever in coming to Quebec to broadcast the most important events of the organization. On thirty-four occasions, major American networks broadcasted a GYM event, an exceptional showcase of Quebec-based boxing, including HBO (8), Showtime (7), ESPN2 (10), Wealth TV (4), Spike TV (2), ESPN ( 1), CBS (1) and NBC Sports (1).

(Oct. 19, 2021) — Longtime heavyweight contender Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas hopes unbeaten knockout artist Ryan Rozicki is not a bridge too far.
 
Rivas and Rozicki will clash this Friday, Oct. 22 at L’Olympia in Montreal, a 12-round showdown to crown the inaugural WBC Bridgerweight world champion (weight limit: 224 pounds). Rivas has fought as high as 251½ pounds, while Rozicki has spent the entirety of his five-year pro career as a cruiserweight.
 
Rivas-Rozicki will headline a special Canadian fight night streaming live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
 
Rivas (27-1, 19 KOs) is a 2008 Colombian Olympian who has spent his 12-year pro career based in Montreal. In January 2019, he knocked out former world title challenger Bryant Jennings in the 12^th round of an ESPN+ main event. Six months later, he dropped a highly competitive decision to British star Dillian Whyte. Rivas returned in March 2021 — weighing 221¼ pounds — and knocked out Sylvera Louis in three rounds. Rozicki (13-0, 13 KOs), from Nova Scotia, Canada, has stopped 12 of his 13 foes in three rounds or less and has never gone past six rounds in the paid ranks.
 
In other streaming action on ESPN+:

• In an eight-rounder at super middleweight, Steve Rolls (20-1, 11 KOs), best known for his 2019 challenge of Gennadiy Golovkin, returns from a nearly two-year layoff to fight Gregory Trenel (14-7-2, 4 KOs).
   
• Canadian welterweight contender Sebastien Bouchard (19-2, 8 KOs) will face Mexican knockout artist Sergio “Checo” Ortega (24-2, 18 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Ortega has won eight straight fights, all by knockout, since returning from a nearly three-year layoff in 2018.
   
• In a four-round cruiserweight rematch featuring a pair of Quebec natives, Alexandre Roberge (1-1) will look to avenge his lone pro defeat against Francis Charbonneau (3-1, 1 KO). In March, Charbonneau edged Roberge by six-round split decision.
   
• Light heavyweight prospect Terry Osias (9-0, 4 KOs), from Longueuil, Canada, will fight Joaquin Murrieta (9-9-3, 7 KOs) in a six-rounder. Murrieta is coming off a knockout win in August over the previously undefeated Carlos Avila (10-0 at the time).

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 14.9 million subscribers.
  
Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

WHAT: “The Conquest: Oscar Rivas vs. Ryan Rozocki” professional boxing

WHEN: Friday, October 22, 2021

WHERE: Montreal Olympia, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

WHO: MAIN EVENT – VACANT WBC BRIDGERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (12)

                   Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (27-1, 19 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada

vs.

                   Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (13-0, 13 KOs), Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada



                   CO-FEATURE – WELTERWEIGHTS (8)

                   Sebastien Bouchard (19-2, 8 KOs), Baie-Saint-Paul, Ontario, Canada

vs.

Sergio “Checo” Ortega (24-2, 18 KOs), Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico

                   SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS (8)

                   Steve Rolls (20-1, 11 KOs), Toronto, Ontario, Canada

vs.

                   Gregory “Crazy Frenchy” Trenel (14-7-2, 4 KOs), Dainville, Nord, France



                   HEAVYWEIGHTS (6)

                   Francis Charbonneau (3-1, 1 KO), Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada

vs.

                   Alexandre Roberge (1-1, 0 KOs), Lanoraie, Quebec, Canada

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS (6)

                   Terry Osias (9-0, 4 KOs), Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada

vs.

                   Joaquin Murrieta (9-9-3, 7 KOs), Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico



                   MIDDLEWEIGHTS (4)

                   Kevin Menoche (4-0, 4 KOs), Repentigney, Quebec, Canada

vs.

Thad Ridsdill (2-2-1, 1 KO), Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)

                   Alexis Barriere (3-0, 3 Kos), Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada

vs.

                   Rafael “Rafaga” Sanchez Rojas (5-1, 3 KOs), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico

(card subject to change)

Promoter: Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) in collaboration with Three Lions Promotions, presented by Mise-O-Jeu

How To Watch: Broadcast live in nearly fifty countries. In Quebec, the event will be available on pay-per-view television on Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV and Fite.tv.

Tickets: On sale at ticketmaster.ca. For group orders, contact GYM at 514-383-0666 extension # 5, or by emailing info@groupeyvonmichel.ca

FACEBOOOK: @groupeyvonmichel

LINKEDIN: @groupeyvonmichel

TWITTER: @yvonmichelGYM

GroupeYM #RivasRozicki

Source: Yvon Michel Group

ABOUT GROUPE YVON MICHEL (GYM): Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, each still active within the company. GYM is the most prolific organization Canadian professional boxing history. Since its founding, GYM has promoted 158 events in Quebec, all broadcast in Quebec on RDS, TVA Sports or Radio-Canada, in addition to participating in thirty-seven international events outside Quebec. Six boxers became world champions: Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez and Marie-Eve Dicaire. Sixteen of the organization’s boxers have fought in forty-eight world championship bouts, sporting an excellent record of 24 wins, 22 losses and 2 draws. During this period, the major American television networks were more active than ever in coming to Quebec to broadcast the most important events of the organization. On thirty-four occasions, major American networks broadcasted a GYM event, an exceptional showcase of Quebec-based boxing, including HBO (8), Showtime (7), ESPN2 (10), Wealth TV (4), Spike TV (2), ESPN ( 1), CBS (1) and NBC Sports (1).

MONTREAL (October 13, 2021) – Despite two postponements and a relatively late replace to fight, Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (27-1, 19 KOs) is prepared to capture the inaugural World Boxing Council (WBC) Bridgerweight World title (under 224 lbs.) on October 22nd, when he takes on undefeated Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (13-0, 13 KOs), at the Montreal Olympia.

“The Conquest: Oscar Rivas vs. Ryan Rozicki” is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel in collaboration with Three Lions Promotions, presented by Mise-O-Jeu. The historic showdown marks the return of American television to Canada for the first time since December 2018 as it will be broadcasted live on ESPN + in the United States. In total, this “The Conquest” will also aire live in nearly fifty countries. In Quebec, the event will be available on pay-per-view television on Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV and Fite.tv.

WBC No. 1-rated Rivas, who represented his native Colombia at the 2008 Olympics, after which he signed a promotional contact with GYM, settling into Montreal. “Kaboom” was supposed to fight Bryant Jennings in a rematch of their 2019 fight, which Rivas won by 12th round technical knockout. Jennings pulled out of the rematch because he refused to comply with Canadian rules and protocol for foreigners in Canada.

“Nothing could stop me preparing for this fight.” Rivas spoke about the delays and change of opponent. “I’ve remained focused for so long for this fight. I was surprised to learn about my new opponent, but nothing changed at all for my preparation for this fight. I am ready!

“I am speechless to be fighting for the first WBC Bridgerweight World title. I am so excited and proud to be fighting for the WBC Bridgerweight title of the World. It is a dream come true and I would like to take this opportunity to thank my promotional team, coaching staff, my agent, and Top Rank for making this happen.”

Rozicki is attempting to become the first world champion boxer from Nova Scotia. As his nickname indicates, “Bruiser” is a power puncher who has won each of his thirteen professional fights by knockout. His record includes his victory over Shawn Miller (18-4-1, 7 KO) in May 2019 for the WBC International Silver crown, as well as the defense of the same title in February 2020 against Vladimir Reznicek (9-2-2, 4 KOs).

“He (Rozicki) is a very aggressive boxer; however, I will be ready for him,” Rivas remarked. “I will be ready for him. I have been waiting for this fight for so long that I can’t wait to show the boxing world how improved I am.

I have devoted my entire life to be where I am today. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to fight for the title in Montreal, the city that has adopted me. I know that I will be at my best for this fight, and nothing will stop me from winning. No misunderstandings, I will become the new WBC Bridgerweight of the World.

“I’m also ready to fight for the world heavyweight championship of the opportunity is presented to me. I miss the ring so much. I know I belong with the best and the best of me is yet to come. Bring them all on, I am ready!”

Oscar Rivas.jpg
Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas

Popular Canadian welterweight Sébastien Bouchard (19-2-0, 8 KOs) meets Mexican welterweight Sergio “Checo” Ortega (24-2-0, 18 KOs), an explosive 8-round do-featured event.

Fighting on the stacked, Canadian flavored undercard in a pair of 6-rounders are Alexandre Roberge (1-1-0) vs. Francis Charbonneau (3-1-0, 1 KO.) in a 6-round rematch (Charbonneau WDEC), and light heavyweight prospect Terry Osias (9-0, 4 KOs) vs. Mexican Joaquin Murrieta (9-9-3, 7 KOs); heavyweight Alexis Barrière (3-0, 3 KOs) vs. Rafael “Rafaga” Sanchez Rojas (5-1, 3 KOs), of Mexico, and middleweight Kevin Menoche (4-0, 4 KOs) vs. Thad Ridsdill (2-2, 1 KO) in 4-round matches.

-30-

ABOUT GROUPE YVON MICHEL (GYM): Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, each still active within the company. GYM is the most prolific organization Canadian professional boxing history. Since its founding, GYM has promoted 158 events in Quebec, all broadcast in Quebec on RDS, TVA Sports or Radio-Canada, in addition to participating in thirty-seven international events outside Quebec. Six boxers became world champions: Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez and Marie-Eve Dicaire. Sixteen of the organization’s boxers have fought in forty-eight world championship bouts, sporting an excellent record of 24 wins, 22 losses and 2 draws. During this period, the major American television networks were more active than ever in coming to Quebec to broadcast the most important events of the organization. On thirty-four occasions, major American networks broadcasted a GYM event, an exceptional showcase of Quebec-based boxing, including HBO (8), Showtime (7), ESPN2 (10), Wealth TV (4), Spike TV (2), ESPN ( 1), CBS (1) and NBC Sports (1).

GroupeYM #RivasRozicki

Source: Yvon Michel Group

MONTREAL (October 6, 2021) — The inaugural World Boxing Council (WBC) Bridgerweight World Championship fight (under 224 lbs.) will take place on October 22nd, promoted by Groupe Yvon Groupe (GYM) in collaboration with Three Lions Promotions, and a presentation of Mise-O-Jeu, at the Montreal Olympia.

As recently announced by the WBC, No. 1 contender Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (27-1, 19 KOs) will face Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (13-0, 13 KOs) to headline “The Conquest” in the 12-round main event for the vacant WBC title.

Rozicki is a powerful, undefeated puncher who has won each of his thirteen professional fights by knockout. His record includes his win over Shawn Miller (18-4-1, 7 KO) in May 2019 for the WBC International Silver crown, as well as the defense of the same title in February 2020 against Vladimir Reznicek (9-2-2, 4 KOs).

By his uncompromising style, “Bruiser” became very popular especially in English-speaking Canada. “Rivas will be my toughest opponent yet,” Rozicki explained. “It’s everything I’ve dreamed of since I started boxing. Thanks to Yvon Michel and my promotional team for making this possible. On October 22nd, I will become world champion.”

In front of him stands an opponent who has been waiting for his chance for a long time, top contender Rivas, who easily disposed of Sylvera Louis (8-5, 4 KOs) by retirement after three rounds last March. Rivas, of course, was the victim of a very controversial defeat in July 2019 in England to Dillian Whyte (25-1), by way of a 12-round decision despite having sent him to the mat in the ninth round.

“Oscar Rivas is in the best shape of his career,” according to his trainer, Marc Ramsay. “I know Rozicki very well and he is very dangerous. He reminds me of a big Joe Smith, Jr., who without being the best technician, compensates with enthusiasm, aggressiveness and determination in the ring “

This fight turns out to be more than a major one for the careers of the two pugilists. The winner will be crowned king of this new division. The historic showdown marks the return of American television to Canada for the first time since December 2018 as it will be broadcast live on ESPN + in the United States. In total, this prestigious gala will also be broadcast live in nearly fifty countries. In Quebec, the event will be available on pay-per-view television on Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV and Fite.tv.

In the co-featured event, charismatic Sébastien Bouchard (19-2-0, 8 KOs) will be in his second fight of 2021, after suffering a major injury against Ayaz Hussain in 2019. He will face Mexican welterweight Sergio “Checo” Ortega (24-2-0, 18 KOs), of Baja California, Mexico, in an explosive 8-round duel.

With his third knockout victory this past August 28th in as many career fights, Alexis Barrière (3-0, 3 KOs) will return to the Olympia ring. This time around, the heavyweight will face Rafael “Rafaga” Sanchez Rojas (5-1, 3 KOs), of Mexico, in a 4-round clash.

As expected, the 6-round rematch between Alexandre Roberge (1-1-0) and Francis Charbonneau (3-1-0, 1 KO.) remains on this card. The two cruiserweights caused quite a stir on March 16th in their 6-round confrontation, which Charbonneau won by way of split decision.

Canadian light heavyweight prospect Terry Osias (9-0, 4 KOs) was supposed to have a fabulous 2020 with a series of fights planned at the Casino de Montreal. The pandemic decided otherwise, though. Osias finally finds his way into the ring again on Oct. 22nd against his Mexican opponent, Joaquin Murrieta (9-9-3, 7 KOs), who has won his last two fights by knockout.

Middleweight Kevin Menoche (4-0, 4 KOs) will put his undefeated pro record on the line versus Thad Ridsdill (2-2, 1 KO).

So, a colorful evening awaits boxing fans Oct. 22nd at the Olympia in Montreal. In fact, GYM will be promoting its 49th world championship fight in Canada since its founding in 2004.

-30-

ABOUT GROUPE YVON MICHEL (GYM): Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, each still active within the company. GYM is the most prolific organization in Canadian professional boxing history. Since its founding, GYM has promoted 158 events in Quebec, all broadcast in Quebec on RDS, TVA Sports or Radio-Canada, in addition to participating in thirty-seven international events outside Quebec. Six boxers became world champions: Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez and Marie-Eve Dicaire. Sixteen of the organization’s boxers have fought in forty-eight world championship bouts, sporting an excellent record of 24 wins, 22 losses and 2 draws. During this period, the major American television networks were more active than ever in coming to Quebec to broadcast the most important events of the organization. On thirty-four occasions, major American networks broadcasted a GYM event, an exceptional showcase of Quebec-based boxing, including HBO (8), Showtime (7), ESPN2 (10), Wealth TV (4), Spike TV (2), ESPN ( 1), CBS (1) and NBC Sports (1).

GroupeYM #RivasRozicki

Source: Yvon Michel Group