Jose de Jesus Macias, who has beaten both Francis Lafreniere and Steven Butler, will attempt to extend his winning streak on June 1 at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal, and snatch the NABF and NABA super middleweight belts from Erik “BZO” Bazinyan in a scheduled 10-rounder.
The event, which will be simulcast on Punching Grace, and on ESPN+ in the United States, will also feature Steve Claggett facing off against Julian Rodriguez for the NABA super lightweight title, and Mary Spencer facing off against Adriana Dos Santos Araujo.
Bazinyan (29-0, 21 KOs) is embarking upon a crucial new chapter in his career; his latest performances, notably those against Marcelo Coceres and Alantez Fox, have allowed him to nab a spot in the top-10 of several federations and brought him that much closer to a world championship fight in the coming months. Currently ranked 3rd in the WBC’s, 2nd in the WBO’s and WBA’s, the EOTTM protege is well aware of the danger of confronting Macias at this point in his career, but is also confident that the Mexican boxer will not be able to stand in his way.
“Macias fractured Zewski’s jaw and gave Butler and Lafreniere a run for their money. He’s a solid opponent. But I’m younger, I’m faster, I’m technically strong, and I’ll show him my ring smarts when I confront him. I’m going to learn a lot from this fight, and it’ll be one more step toward big American bouts this year.”
Macias (28-11-4, 14 KOs), who attended the Mbilli vs Gongora duel at the Casino de Montreal on March 23, couldn’t hold back from trash-talking Bazinyan ringside, declaring “I broke Zewski’s jaw, I sent Butler to the mat, and I’m going to rip off Erik Bazinyan’s head. I’m serious; I’m coming for him and for his rankings!”
Since he started working with trainer Mike Moffa, Claggett (34-7-2, 24 KOs) has been dazzling with his explosive performances and veritable wars against his opponents. The Alberta native will be trying not only for a 6th victory in a row, but also to snatch the NABA super-lightweight belt from American Julian Rodriguez (22-1, 14 KOs) so as to continue his climb in the world rankings.
Having gotten the green light from the specialists for her hand injury, Spencer (7-1, 5 KOs) is now fit to leap back into the ring on June 1 to finally confront Brazil’s Araujo (6-1, 1 KO) after their March bout had to be postponed. This will be Spencer’s first match following her defeat in December 2022.
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