Erik Bazinyan and Yves Ulysse Jr. will kick off Eye of the Tiger's 2023 calendar when they share the spotlight at the event presented on Thursday, February 2 at the Casino de Montral, alongside Raphael Courchesne, Christopher Guerrero, Alexandre Gaumont and Avery Martin-Duval.

2023 looks very promising for EOTTM; 6 of our athletes have reached the top 15 of their respective divisions and are knocking at the door of some major fights, notes EOTTM general manager Antonin Decarie.

"Their upcoming fights will be pivotal in their careers, and so we've stepped up the calibre of the opponents they'll be facing in the coming year, to make sure that they've got the tools they need and are ready to take on the challenges they'll be confronting in the next few months."

In keeping with this approach, Bazinyan (28-0, 21 KOs) will be defending his NABF and NABA titles against seasoned boxer Alantez Fox (28-3-1,13 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round super-middleweight fight.

A towering 6'4'', Fox has definite height and reach advantages, as well as enviable endurance that allows him to go the distance over 10 rounds. Fox's strengths will force Bazinyan to stay vigilant, organized and strategic throughout the fight. The Quebecer by adoption says that his father's passing last July has made this match even more significant to him.

"This is a very important and special fight for me, because I lost my father a few months ago and this will be my first fight without him by my side. This motivates me enormously and I know that no one can beat me. On February 2, I'm going to prove that I deserve to be starring in world class fights," insists Erik Bazinyan.

In the evening's semi-final, Ulysse Jr. (22-2, 12 KOs) will confront American Olympian Javier "The Untouchable" Molina (22-5, 9 KOs). Well respected internationally, Molina has delivered solid performances, notably against Amir Ahmed Imam, whom he defeated by unanimous decision, and Robbie Davies Jr., to whom he lost a split decision on the Brit's home turf.

The February 2 event will also be special for Capitale-Nationale native Wilkens Mathieu, who is making the leap to professional boxing after signing a multi-year promotional agreement with Eye of the Tiger.

"In our opinion, Wilkens is currently the jewel in the Canadian boxing crown and we are thrilled to have recruited him to join the team," says Antonin Decarie. Wilkens has a high boxing IQ and sharp instincts, coupled with formidable athletic qualities and a potent punching power that has allowed him to stand out on both the national and international stages.

Marc Ramsay started thinking about recruiting Jhon Orobio in 2021, when he observed Orobio win the bronze at the Junior World Championship in Belgrade. Any doubt Ramsay might have had evaporated when he witnessed Orobio's transition to the seniors, where he immediately became dominant, thanks to his undeniable physical strength and impeccable technique. He went on to earn another bronze medal at his first continental championship. Jhon possesses all the tools to succeed at the professional level.