BoxRec

Jean Pascal, Michael Eifert Reach Terms For IBF Title Eliminator, Avoid Purse Bid Hearing

Jean Pascal will get a long overdue homecoming for a fight that will put him within one win of another title shot.

Boxing Scene has confirmed that representatives for Quebec’s Pascal and Germany’s Michael Eifert have reached an agreement for their ordered IBF light heavyweight title eliminator. The development comes on the eve of a now canceled purse bid hearing that was scheduled for Tuesday at IBF headquarters in Springfield, New Jersey.

The fight is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2023, at a venue to be determined in Montreal. It will mark the first back in Canada for Pascal since a July 2018 win in his Laval, Quebec hometown, while Eifert will fight outside of Europe for the first time in his career.

Pascal and Eifert were instructed by the IBF to enter talks in late September, shortly after both accepted an invitation from the sanctioning body to move forward with a proposed eliminator.

Pascal (36-6-1, 20KOs) was already on board, having watched plans fall through for a targeted November showdown with unbeaten contender and 2016 Olympic Bronze medalist Joshua Buatsi. The ordered title eliminator went to an August 30 purse bid hearing, where Hall of Fame promoter Lou DiBella submitted a $975,000 bid to win the rights to the fight, outpacing Matchroom Boxing, Buatsi’s career-long promoter by $100,000.

The fight was targeted to take place this November in London, only for the IBF to declare Buatsi’s side in default for failure to return the signed contract by the prescribed deadline. The development led to the IBF calling for Pascal—who is managed by Greg Leon—to enter talks with the next highest ranked available contender, which led to Eifert.

The 39-year-old Pascal previously held the WBC light heavyweight title following June 2009 points win over unbeaten countryman Adrian Diaconu. Four successful defenses followed, including an August 2010 technical unanimous decision win over Chad Dawson to establish championship lineage.

Pascal’s reign ended in a points loss to Hall of Fame two-division champion Bernard Hopkins in their May 2011 rematch in Montreal, five months after fighting to a draw in Quebec City. He returned to the title stage following a technical decision win over then-unbeaten Marcus Browne in August 2019 on the road In Brooklyn, winning a secondary version of the WBA light heavyweight title after three prior failed bids at the full title held by Sergey Kovalev (twice) and Dmitry Bivol.

The win over Browne was followed up by a thrilling split decision win over Jack in their December 2019 clash in Atlanta that saw both fighters hit the canvas. The two were due to meet again last June 6 in Miami Gardens, Florida, only for Pascal to test positive for multiple banned substances through testing contracted by VADA.

Pascal has since proven to be a clean fighter and still a top player at light heavyweight following a twelve-round, unanimous decision win over previously unbeaten IBF number-one contender Meng Fanlong on May 20 in Plant City, Florida.

Eifert takes a massive leap in competition as he moves within one win of challenging for his first major title. The 24-year-old from Magdeburg, Germany has fought exclusively in Germany and against domestic-level opposition. He has won five straight following his lone defeat, an eight-round majority decision to unbeaten countryman Tom Dzemski in August 2020.

The loss was avenged, as Eifert outpointed Dzemski over ten rounds last July in Magdeburg. Two more wins have followed, including a ten-round decision over Adriana Sperandino on a July 16 show in Magdeburg that was carried live on ESPN+ in the U.S.

The Pascal-Eifert winner will have to wait out at least one more mandatory title defense before getting to the division’s top prize. Beterbiev is due to defend against England’s Anthony Yarde (22-2, 21KOs), who is the WBO number-one contender. Their fight was due to take place on October 29, only for Beterbiev to never fully recover from knee surgery in having to postpone the fight. The two will meet on January 28 at The O2 in London.

There will also be demand for an undisputed championship clash to trump any other fight in the division. WBA light heavyweight titlist Dmitry Bivol (20-0, 11KOs) defends against mandatory challenger Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez (44-0, 30KOs) on November 5 in Abu Dhabi. Both fighters have already expressed an interest in next facing Beterbiev.

Also waiting in the wings is Liverpool’s Callum Smith (29-1, 21KOs), the former WBA super middleweight titlist who is currently the WBC mandatory challenger at light heavyweight.

eifert being in a final title eliminator

#7 Pascal v #36 Eifert …… crazy

Pascal has been arrested in Canada for drink driving.

Fight confirmed

Jean Pascal-Michael Eifert IBF Title Eliminator Set For Feb. 9 In Laval, Canada

A true homecoming is in store for Jean Pascal.

BS.com has learned that the IBF light heavyweight title eliminator between Quebec’s Pascal and Germany’s Michael Eifert has a date and location. The bout will take place on February 9 at Place Bell in Pascal’s hometown of Laval, Canada.

The winner will become the IBF mandatory challenger to lineal and unified WBC/IBF/WBO light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev (18-0, 18 KOs).

Pascal (36-6-1, 20 KOs)—a Haiti-born former champ who relocated with his family to Laval at age four—long ago established himself as one of the biggest box-office attractions among all Canadian boxers over the course of his seventeen-year career. The upcoming fight with Eifert (11-1, 4 KOs) will mark his first fight in his home country since July 2018, when Pascal ended his brief retirement to score an eighth-round knockout of Steve Bosse at the very venue hosting this title eliminator.

Eifert will bring a five-fight win streak into the ring for his first career bout outside of Europe and just third overall away from Germany.

Pascal and Eifert were instructed by the IBF to enter talks in late September, shortly after both accepted an invitation from the sanctioning body to move forward with a proposed eliminator. Pascal was already on board, having watched plans fall through for a targeted November showdown with unbeaten contender and 2016 Olympic Bronze medalist Joshua Buatsi.

The ordered title eliminator went to an August 30 purse bid hearing, where Hall of Fame promoter Lou DiBella submitted a $975,000 bid to win the rights to the fight, outpacing Matchroom Boxing, Buatsi’s career-long promoter by $100,000. The fight was targeted to take place this November in London, only for the IBF to declare Buatsi’s side in default for failure to return the signed contract by the prescribed deadline.

The development led to the IBF calling for Pascal—a 2004 Olympian for Canada who is managed by Greg Leon—to enter talks with the next highest ranked available contender, which led to Eifert. The two came to an agreement on October 31, just one day ahead of a scheduled purse bid hearing to determine promotional rights.

Pascal—who turned 40 on October 28—previously held the WBC light heavyweight title following June 2009 points win over unbeaten countryman Adrian Diaconu. Four successful defenses followed, including an August 2010 technical unanimous decision win over Chad Dawson to establish championship lineage. His reign ended in a points loss to Hall of Fame two-division champion Bernard Hopkins in their May 2011 rematch in Montreal, five months after fighting to a draw in Quebec City.

A return to the title stage saw Pascal rally to score three knockdowns of then-unbeaten Marcus Browne en route to a technical decision win in August 2019 on the road In Brooklyn. Pascal won a secondary version of the WBA light heavyweight title after three prior failed bids at the full title held by Sergey Kovalev (twice) and Dmitry Bivol.

The win over Browne was followed up by a thrilling split decision win over Jack in their December 2019 clash in Atlanta that saw both fighters hit the canvas. The two were due to meet again last June 6 in Miami Gardens, Florida, only for Pascal to test positive for multiple banned substances through testing contracted by VADA.

Pascal has since proven to be a clean fighter and still a top player at light heavyweight following a twelve-round, unanimous decision win over previously unbeaten IBF number-one contender Meng Fanlong on May 20 in Plant City, Florida.

Eifert takes a massive leap in competition as he moves within one win of challenging for his first major title.

The 24-year-old from Magdeburg, Germany has fought exclusively in Germany and against domestic-level opposition. He has won five straight following his lone defeat, an eight-round majority decision to unbeaten countryman Tom Dzemski in August 2020. The loss was avenged, as Eifert outpointed Dzemski over ten rounds last July in Magdeburg.

Two more wins have followed, including a ten-round decision over Adriana Sperandino on a July 16 show in Magdeburg that was carried live on ESPN+ in the U.S.

The Pascal-Eifert winner will have to wait out at least one more mandatory title defense before getting to the division’s top prize.

Beterbiev is due to defend against England’s Anthony Yarde (22-2, 21 KOs), who is the WBO number-one contender. Their fight was due to take place on October 29, only for Beterbiev to never fully recover from knee surgery in having to postpone the fight. The two will meet on January 28 at The O2 in London.

Also waiting in the wings is Liverpool’s Callum Smith (29-1, 21 KOs), the former WBA super middleweight titlist who is currently the WBC mandatory challenger at light heavyweight. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed during and after the sanctioning body’s annual convention that the Beterbiev-Yarde winner must next face Smith.

There will also be demand for an undisputed championship clash to trump any other fight in the division. Bivol (20-0, 11 KOs) is free of any mandatory challenger obligation after soundly outpointing Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs) to successfully defend his WBA light heavyweight title for the tenth time on November 5 in Abu Dhabi.

Jean Pascal was arrested for DUI last Friday. He tried to play the "celeb" card, didn't work, so he played the racial profiling card on Twitter the morning after. He deleted a couple of posts minutes after posting them.

Pascal-Eifert clash in IBF eliminator

An IBF light heavyweight title eliminator between IBF #4 Jean Pascal (36-6-1, 20 KOs) and IBF #6 Michael Eifert (11-1, 4 KOs) is set for February 9 at Bell Place in Laval, Quebec, Canada.

The winner will be the official IBF mandatory contender for IBF world champion Artur Beterbiev. The 40-year-old three-time world champion Pascal will have the hometown advantage.

The 24-year-old Eifert, who hails from the SES stable in Magdeburg, Germany, has never faced anyone close to the level of Pascal, so it’s a big step up.

I'm sure this Eifert guy won't be too much trouble, but Pascal really doesn't need to be getting thrown into Championship fights anymore.

This is one guy from this era that worries me a lot to keep fighting. He's taken some REALLY bad beatings.

Press Release | Pascal vs Eifert Pay Per View for $64.99

DiBella Entertainment, Groupe Yvon Michel and Jean Pascal Promotions, in association with Blanko Sports and SES Sports Events GmbH, will present “NO LIMIT” at Place Bell in Laval, Quebec, Canada, on February 9, 2023.

Headlined by Quebecer and two-time world champion Jean Pascal (36-6-1, 20 KOs) against Germany’s Michael Eifert (11-1, 4 KOs) in the International Boxing Federation (IBF) World Title Eliminator to determine the mandatory challenger for IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Artur Beterbiev (18-0, 18 KOs).

Tickets are now on sale, ranging from $40 in the stands to $500 on the floor. Tables for six people, wine and meal included, are also available for $3,500 and $4,500 plus taxes. Tickets may be purchased on Evenco.ca or by email at [email protected].

Pascal vs. Eifert will be available in Canada via pay-per-view on Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV, Fite.tv and GYMboxe.tv for $64.99.

“Five years ago, most people in boxing wrote Jean Pascal off. Since then, his only loss was to Dmitry Bivol and he’s beaten Ahmed Elbiali, Marcus Browne, Badou Jack and Fanlong Meng as an underdog,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.

“There is a lot of fight left in Jean Pascal, one of Canada’s all-time great fighters. He will prove that on February 9 against Michael Eifert, and secure yet another title shot in his illustrious career.”

“Jean Pascal made his debut with us just a few months after the founding of GYM,” said GYM President Yvon Michel.

“Since then, we have been involved in 36 of his 43 fights, including his last in Quebec in 2018. It is with great pride that we participate in this expected return to Quebec. According to a survey of Quebec boxing experts and amateurs, Champ Pascal has been chosen as the greatest Quebec boxer of the 21st century. On February 9, another page in its history will be written.”

Jean Pascal is an Athens Olympian in 2004. He was WBC light heavyweight champion from 2009 to 2011, as well as WBA champion from 2019-2020. He has had 12 world title fights, the first in 2008 in England against Carl Froch and the last 11 years later in Atlanta against Badou Jack.

During this period, he met all the best light heavyweights of his generation including Adrian Diaconu, Chad Dawson, Bernard Hopkins, Lucian Bute, Sergey Kovalev, Dmitry Bivol and set many records for ticket sales and pay-per-view, with Lucian Bute at the Bell Center in 2014 where more than 21,000 spectators attended the event. In his most recent fight last May in Florida, he edged undefeated IBF #1 contender Fanlong Meng (17-0) to set the stage for the championship eliminator against Eifert.

Jean Pascal said: “Major props to Lou DiBella, Yvon Michel and Greg Leon for making this happen. It’s been a long time coming, but I’m finally where I want to be, back home performing in front of my people. My fans have always been a major source of inspiration and their kind words have helped keep me going strong at 40 years young.

“It’s very important for me to give you guys a great show and, on February 9, that’s exactly what I’m going to do.

“Michael Eifert is a good, solid fighter and the final obstacle on my road back to the championship. I respect him like all my opponents, but it’s my intention to destroy him as quickly as possible.

“I don’t want to fight away from home again and taking care of business on February 9 is the best way to make sure I won’t have to.”

“Jean Pascal has amazing confidence, a heart bigger than Montreal and you might need two wheelbarrows to carry his, well, let’s call it intestinal fortitude,” said Pascal’s manager Greg Leon.

“Pascal is a throwback who would thrive in any light heavyweight era. As a manager, all you can hope for is the athlete to give 100-percent of himself once that bell rings and, in that regard, Jean Pascal absolutely never disappoints.

“February 9 will be a special night for him. Five years away from home is a long time. Few fighters would have persevered on the road the way he has to make it back here and that just shows the level of champion he is. Michael Eifert will soon learn just how badly Jean wants to remain back at home where he belongs.”

Michael Eifert, 24, lives in Magdeburg, Germany. A professional since 2018, he had his only loss by majority decision in 2020 against Tom Dzemski (14-0), a loss he avenged the following year while winning the IBF Youth and WBC Youth world titles. In his last fight, he captured the IBF Inter-Continental light heavyweight title against Italian Adriano Sperandio, which earned him a place in this title eliminator against Pascal.

“This is a lifetime opportunity and a dream come true for me,” said Michael Eifert. “I can’t wait to come to Canada to give the performance of my life versus a great champion in Jean Pascal. It’s youth versus experience. It’s the young lion challenging the old lion to battle to be the king of the jungle.”

“I want to thank Lou DiBella and Yvon Michel for this fantastic co-promotion,” said Benedikt Poelchau, Eifert’s promoter. “We have huge respect for Jean Pascal, a legend in the sport of boxing. I also tremendously respect 24-year-old Michael Eifert for taking on such a challenge, for shooting for the stars, at such a young age. He will put his heart into this fight, and I expect an exciting matchup for boxing fans around the world.”

It's dual parts impressive and crazy that Jean Pascal is still making this type of run. Also wild that Eifert is getting this shot!

1098549 wrote: ↑20 Dec 2022, 18:09 It's dual parts impressive and crazy that Jean Pascal is still making this type of run. Also wild that Eifert is getting this shot!

Pascal is the new Alien.

Pascal has COVID.

Fight postponed to March.

Press Release

As he himself mentioned yesterday on his social networks, Jean Pascal is fully recovered from the COVID-19 virus, which struck him down in early January. He has received the green light from his doctor and will resume intense training starting next Monday.

DiBella Entertainment, in association with Groupe Yvon Michel and Jean Pascal Promotions, and in collaboration with Blanko Sports and SES Sports Events GmbH, officially confirm the postponed “No Limit” event will now take place on March 16th at Place Bell in Laval, Canada, as two-time world champion Pascal (36-6-1, 20 KOs) faces Germany's Michael Eifert (11-1, 4 KOs) to determine the mandatory challenger for International Boxing Federation (IBF) World Light Heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev (18-0-0, 18 KOs).

This international event is presented by Mise-O-Jeu. The evening’s bout sheet is comprised of seven other fights:

The co-feature pits popular Mathieu “G-Time” Germain (21-2-1, 9 KOs) and Steven Wilcox (24-3-1, 7 KOs), a member of the famed family of four pro fighters. Germain began a streak of three consecutive victories in May 2021, in Quebec City, by taking the measure of Steve Claggett (33-7-2, 23 KOs) in 10 rounds. Wilcox has won his last six fights, including his most recent victory last November, by way of a fourth-round technical knockout against Mexican Francisco Martinez (11-4, 6 KOs).

To mark Saint Patrick's Day, the authentic Irishman and promising light heavyweight prospect "Mighty" Joseph Ward (8-1, 4 KOs), of Ireland, will also be in action in an eight-round fight.

World contender Jessica "Cobra" Camara (10-3, 2 KOs), of Montreal, returns to Quebec for the first time since 2019. She has since fought five fights in the United States, including the WBA and WBO super lightweight world championship versus Kali Reis (19-7-1, 5 KOs) in New Hampshire in November 2021. She lost by split decision in an extremely close and hard-fought fight. She will meet Prisca “La Guerrera” Vicot (14-8, 2 KOs), a French woman who lives in San Diego, California.

Spectators will have the pleasure of seeing rising star Caroline Veyre (2-0) in action after her dazzling performance on January 13th on the Clavel-Plata card, in which she dominated Esefania Franco (4-5). Veyre was a 2020 Canadian Olympian and 2015 Pan-American Games gold medalist. On March 16th, she will likely face solid opposition in Emma "Valkyria" Gongora (5-2), fighting out of Marseille, France. She has won her last five fights, including her most recent win against Martine Vallieres Bisson (5-2, 1KO) at Casino de Montreal last September.

Young Italian sensation Yoel Angeloni (1-0), the latest discovery of International Boxing Hall of Fame promoter Lou DiBella, plans to impress in a four-round special attraction. The welterweight prodigy has a bright future ahead of him.

Also, Vancouver's skillful Eric Basran (3-0, 1 KO) intends to double down in 2023. Veyre's teammate on Canada's National Team returns to the ring after taking a six-round unanimous decision on January 13th against Juan Carlos Garcia (4-3), of Mexico City. This time he takes on Ruben Vallejo (7-1-1, 3 KOs) in a potentially explosive confrontation.

Former Canadian amateur champion Amanda Galle (7-0-1, 1 KO) is slated to fight in a bantamweight eight-round bout.

Imagine paying $60+ for this?

Press Release | Undercard Information

The undercard is set for the Jean Pascal vs. Michael Eifert IBF light heavyweight title eliminator card, “No Limit”, presented by Mise-O-Jeu, has been announced for March 16th at Place Bell in Laval, Canada.

Two former world champions and a pair of Olympians and three female bouts will be showcased on “No Limit,” which will be available on ESPN+ in the United States, but available in Canada on Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV and worldwide on GYMBoxe.tv and Fite.tv.

Pascal (36-6-1, 20 KOs) takes on his German opponent, Eifert (11-1, 4 KOs) in the 12-round main event to determine the mandatory challenger for IBF titleholder Artur Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs). Haiti-native Pascal, who has lived in Montreal since the late 1980s, is rated No. 3 by the IBF, while Eifert is ranked No. 5.

Providing chief support in the 10-round, co-featured event is an exciting Canadian showdown for the IBF Inter-Continental super lightweight title between popular Mathieu “G-Time” Germain (21-2-1, 9 KOs) from Mascouche Quebec and Steven Wilcox (24-3-1, 7 KOs) from Hamilton Ontario.

Germain, a former IBF International super lightweight champion, is riding a 3-fight win streak that started with his impressive victory over Steve Claggett (33-7-2, 23 KOs) by way of a 10-round decision. One of four boxing brothers, Wilcox is a former NABA Canadian super lightweight titlist who has won his last 6 matches.

Germain is extremely excited about the opportunity: “I have been looking for this kind of fight for a long time where a victory will propel me directly with the best contenders in my division! I promise you I won't miss, and I'll leave the ring with this belt around my waist."

World title contender Jessica "Cobra" Camara (10-3, 2 KOs), of Montreal, returns to Quebec for the first time since 2019. Camara has since fought 5 fights in the United States, including for the WBA and WBO super lightweight world championships versus Kali Reis (19-7-1, 5 KOs) in New Hampshire in November 2021. She lost a split decision in an extremely close and hard-fought fight, but has rebounded with two victories heading into this contest. Prisca Vicot was to be her opponent, but she withdrew last weekend.

To replace her, will be Karla Ramos Zamora (9-9-1, 2KO) of Puebla for 10 rounds at super lightweight. The latter, who knocked out Viscot in 2020, accepted the challenge. Zamora is well known in Quebec for having offered a solid opposition to Leila Beaudoin last September, as evidenced by the 3 scores of 58-56 from the judges.

Another exciting female prospect is undefeated bantamweight and former Canadian amateur champion, Amanda Galles (7-0-1, 1 KO), who meets Lorena Cruz Aispuro (4-2, 0 KOs), of Mexico, in an 8-rounder.

Irish eyes will be smiling for promising Irishman “Mighty” Joseph Ward (8-1, 4 KOs), a 2016 Ireland Olympian, who will lead the St. Patrick’s Day celebration in an 8-round fight versus Mexican light heavyweight Mario Andrade Rodriguez (7-0, 4 KOs).

Rising featherweight star Caroline Veyre (2-0), a decorated Canadian amateur and 2020 Olympian, faced Emma "Valkyria" Gongora (5-2), of Marseille, France, in a 6-round match. The latter was injured in training and provided medical evidence on Tuesday. Another opponent will be announced this week.

Italian welterweight sensation Yoel Angeloni (1-0), the latest discovery of New York City-based promoter Lou DiBella, will make his North American debut as a professional in a 4-round battle against Alexander Calixto (1-1, 0 KOs).

Eifert will take this by decision. He is going to outwork Pascal.

Fight Week!!

Gotta love pascal. He'llwin

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑09 Mar 2023, 13:07 Imagine paying $60+ for this?

Less than 20k buys for sure

How to Watch

UK: Watch online via FITE TV from 11pm for $19.99

U.S.: Pascal-Eifert and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 7pm ET / 4pm PT

In other streaming action from Canada:

Junior welterweight Mathieu Germain (21-2-1, 9 KOs) looks to build off a three-fight win streak in a 10-rounder against fellow Canadian Steven Wilcox (24-3-1, 7 KOs). Last June, the 33-year-old shut out then-unbeaten prospect Misael Cabrera Urias.

Italian welterweight standout Yoel Angeloni (1-0) looks to make it 2-0 against Alexander Calixto (1-1, 1 KO) in a four-rounder.

Irish light heavyweight Joseph Ward (8-1, 4 KOs) returns in an eight-round bout against undefeated Mexican prospect Mario Andrade Rodriguez (7-0, 4 KOs). Ward is coming off a decision win against Fred Julan last December.

Former world title challenger Jessica Camara (10-3, 2 KOs) faces Karla Ramos Zamora (9-9-1, 2 KOs) in a 10-rounder for the IBF International junior welterweight title. Camara lost in a bid for the unified junior welterweight crown in November 2021, but the 34-year-old is coming off two stoppage wins last year.

Caroline Veyre (2-0) and Anaelle Angerville (5-1-1) will collide in a featherweight clash scheduled for six rounds.

Undefeated bantamweight Amanda Galle (7-0-1, 1 KO) will take on Mexico’s Lorena Cruz Aispuro (4-2) in an eight-round clash.

Tonight!!

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑16 Mar 2023, 04:06 Tonight!!

My griend by now im sure you now what im going to request from you. Around what time the main event as im 7 hours ahead of yourself? Midweek boxing lovely jubly

watsupdoc87 wrote: ↑16 Mar 2023, 05:02

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑16 Mar 2023, 04:06 Tonight!!

My griend by now im sure you now what im going to request from you. Around what time the main event as im 7 hours ahead of yourself? Midweek boxing lovely jubly

7 pm ET is when the card begins, which will be 06:00 Friday, in Vietnam

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑16 Mar 2023, 05:10

watsupdoc87 wrote: ↑16 Mar 2023, 05:02

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑16 Mar 2023, 04:06 Tonight!!

My griend by now im sure you now what im going to request from you. Around what time the main event as im 7 hours ahead of yourself? Midweek boxing lovely jubly

7 pm ET is when the card begins, which will be 06:00 Friday, in Vietnam

So around 2 hours later for main event you think mate?