Kim Clavel’s journey to a world championship fight was anything but straightforward. The Quebec-born boxer faced a formidable opponent in Anabel Ortiz, ultimately securing a unanimous decision victory. Clavel (21-2, 3 K.-O.) dominated the judges’ scorecards with scores of 96-94, 98-92, and 98-92, showcasing her resilience and skill.

At 34 years old, Clavel captured the vacant titles of the international WBC and the IBF Intercontinental, marking her first presence in the strawweight division at 105 pounds. Her victory comes after a challenging period, including a defeat by Evelyn Bermudez in October 2023. Since then, Clavel has rebuilt her confidence with three consecutive wins, culminating in her triumph over Ortiz.

“34-year-old boxing is getting their hands on the vacant titles of the international WBC and the IBF Intercontinental for its first presence in the straws at 105 pounds.”

Unlike her previous fights, which focused on rebuilding confidence, Clavel opted for a more experienced opponent this time. Ortiz (34-8, 4 K.-O.) brought a wealth of experience, having participated in 19 championship fights of various kinds. The fight began with Clavel appearing hesitant, but she quickly adapted, pushing Ortiz against the ropes in the fourth round. By the fifth round, Clavel had found her rhythm, using her rear hand effectively and multiplying her attacks.

The intense nature of the match was evident as both boxers left no space in the ring. The close duels required the official to remind the fighters to avoid headbutts. Ortiz complained about Clavel’s strikes before the end of the seventh round, but Clavel finished strong with powerful punches that made Ortiz retreat. The fight ended with both rivals giving their all, providing a thrilling spectacle for the crowd at the Casino de Montréal.

Promoter Yvon Michel has already expressed interest in presenting a championship fight involving Clavel at the end of May or early June at Bell Centre in Laval. This would be a significant step for Clavel, who is poised to become a major player in the boxing scene.

A Very Little Subcart

The Omar Zaatiti Alieh phenomenon (2-0, 2 K.-O.) continues to impress, needing only a left hook to the liver to defeat Karoly Botos (2-3) at 0:39 of the first round. Pressed to represent Canada at the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028, Zaatiti Alieh won his first fight in 2:30 last January. The 21-year-old Montrealer is now focusing on amateur boxing, aiming to participate in competitions in the Czech Republic this spring and the world championships in Liverpool, England, in September. However, his coach Moe Latif does not rule out additional professional fights in the meantime.

“The Montrealer aged only 21 years old should now turn to amateur boxing to take part in a competition in Czech Republic this spring as well as in the world championships in Liverpool, England, in September, but its Moe Latif coach does not, however, exclude that he in the meantime in other battles in professional ranks.”

Moe Latif

The super-lightweight Theothilus Owusu (7-0-1, 5 K.-O.) secured his third consecutive victory by knockout, defeating Argentinian Joel Ivan Manriquez (7-6) with a left hook to the liver at 1:55 of the second round. After a quiet first round, Owusu dominated the second, finishing off Manriquez who had previously lost to Montreal’s Jhon Orobio.

In the opening bout, Ayoub Maanni (3-0, 3 K.-O.) delivered a lightning knockout against Maximiliano Ezequiel Ledesma (2-2) at 1:53 of the first round. Ledesma, whose boxing skills were questionable, visited the floor three times, causing concern among spectators. Fortunately, Ledesma regained consciousness and was quickly attended to by the paramedic team.

In a legal dispute, a decision is expected Friday morning by the Honorable Shaun E. Finn regarding the participation of Alexis Barrière and Derek Pomerleau at the Gala scheduled for Friday evening in Gatineau. New Era Fighting & Promotion has filed an injunction at the Superior Court of Quebec, asking the court to order the Régie des alcohol, races, and games not to sanction the fights involving Barrière and Pomerleau. New Era claims it could not exercise its right of first refusal in Barrière’s contract and that it is still linked to Pomerleau’s organization.