Boxing fans in the Mauricie region will be treated to a true clash of titans in the finale of the December 16 gala at Shawinigan’s Centre Gervais Auto, when Arslanbek Makhmudov (15-0, 14 KOs) will defend his NABF and NABA belts against imposing Nigerian boxer Raphael Akpejiori (14-0, 14 KOs). The event, which will also feature Simon Kean and Steven Butler, as well as Mary Spencer in her IBO super middleweight world championship fight against Femke Hermans, will be simulcast at 7:00 pm on the Punching Grace network, as well as on ESPN+ in the United States.
Arslanbek Makhmudov (15-0, 14 KOs), who is “NABF Champion of the Year”, 4th in the WBC World Ranking, and NABF and NABA heavyweight titleholder, won the WBC Silver against Carlos Takam on September 16 in a fight that showcased his ability to hold a steady pace for 10 rounds. On December 16, he’ll face off against an adversary who is every bit as powerful and physically imposing as he is.
Towering over most fighters at 6’8”, Raphael Akpejiori (14-0, 14 KOs) immigrated to the United States on a basketball scholarship. He later turned to football and made the Miami Dolphins’ rookie training camp. An outstanding athlete, Akpejiori boasts impressive physical skills, including excellent coordination, remarkable reach, and imposing punching power, making him as feared and respected as the EOTTM protégé. Akpejiori’s m.o. is to deliver a KO within the first two rounds, making him a dangerous adversary who can put an end to the fight at any moment.
“On December 16, we’ll get to see two prospects who are at the same stage in their career: two aggressive boxers each with a 92% KO record. This will be an interesting challenge for Arslanbek, and guaranteed fireworks for the boxing fans who will be there,” explained EOTTM development director and Makhmudov’s trainer, Marc Ramsay.
On the undercard, Steven Butler (31-3-1, 26 KOs) will try to continue his winning streak when he defends his NABF title against American rookie Joshua Conley (17-4-1, 11 KOs). Simon “The Grizzly” Kean (21-1, 20 KOs) will star in his first fight on ESPN+ following his co-promotion agreement with Top Rank. Buckingham native Alexandre Gaumont (5-0, 3 KOs), who recently delivered a decisive 1st-ound knockout, will also be featured on the card. And, last but not least, Thomas Chabot (7-0, 7 KOs), Leïla Beaudoin (7-0, 1 KOs) and Luis Santana (7-0, 2 KOs) will also be there to dazzle thee boxing fans.
