Aug 13 Jean Pascal set to Defend WBC Title on Sep 25th

Montreal, Wednesday August 12th 2009 - Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) and InterBox are proud to officially announce that newly crowned WBC World Light Heavyweight champion Jean Pascal (23-1-0, 15KO) from Laval will defend his title for the first time against WBC #1 rated Mandatory contender and former two time WBA World Light Heavyweight champion Silvio « Il Barbaro » Branco (59-9-2, 36KO) from Rome.  This bout between WBC elite will take place on Friday, September 25th at the Montreal Bell Centre.

This Event will mark the second co-promotion between GYM and InterBox.  “Last June’s venture with GYM was very successful.  Both groups were as professional as they were cordial and worked very well together. This time we will all support Jean Pascal in his quest to conserve his World title in Montreal” states InterBox President Mr. Eric Lucas. Jean Pascal has not had very much time to celebrate the World title he won last June 19th in one of the most spectacular bouts in Canadian boxing history.  Pascal captured the precious WBC title by dethroning undefeated champion Adrian Diaconu (26-1-0, 15KO) in front of 14,000 fans at the Bell Centre.  After a brief break Pascal returned to training two weeks ago, and his Team is considering setting up training camp in Altona, New York. “Jean Pascal is very much aware that it is more difficult to defend a title than it is to win one.  He can take a look around him and see that is true!  Intelligent, proud and determined, Pascal possesses all the qualities needed for a long and profitable reign as Champion” states GYM President Mr. Yvon Michel.

Italian champion Silvio Branco waits patiently for his opportunity to test the character of the young Pascal.  Branco turned pro in 1988 and has disputed 5 World title bouts during that span (2-3-0, 1 KO).  His success in the ring is rather recent, capturing the WBA Light Heavyweight title in 2004 and then again in 2006 until 2007.

Branco is no stranger to adversity as 4 of his 5 World title bouts have taken place outside Italy.  This will be Branco’s third bout in 2009.  His last loss dates back to 2007, when he ended up on the losing end of a 12 round decision for the WBA title in Germany.

GYM Vice President Mr. Bernard Barré has viewed several bouts featuring Branco.  “Branco boxes with speed, intelligence and relentlessness.  He is always in superb physical condition. There is a reason he has amassed 59 victories in his sport and he is the type of athlete that is always dangerous in the ring”.

Jean Pascal is as ready as ever for Branco.  “My career is really revving up as this will be my 3rd World title fight in only 9 months. I am in excellent health and this level of activity is very welcome for me.  I know Branco is an experienced veteran that can take a punch, but I am on a mission and for me this is only the beginning.  Branco will return back to Italy empty handed, having suffered the beating of a lifetime!”  

Tickets on sale this Saturday, August 15th at noon:

Tickets will go on sale August 15th at the Bell Centre ticket office by dialing 514-790-2525 or 1-877-668-8269, or by visiting www.geg.ca.  Tickets are also available at Club de boxe Champion by calling 514-376-0980, and at the head offices of GYM: 514 383-0666. Please call 450-645-1079 or visitwww.interbox.ca for group sales and other information.

Tags: 25th \ boxing \ defend \ jean \ pascal \ sep \ set \ title \ wbc