Starting the busy boxing month of May, Erik Bazinyan (32-0) looks to notch another defence into his North American Boxing Federation Super Middleweight title against surging challenger Shakeel Phinn (26-3-1) after the bout was previously delayed – owing to illness on Bazinyan’s end. The event will be broadcast live on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET / 12 a.m. UK with the main event ringwalks scheduled for 11 p.m. ET / 4 a.m. UK.
Bazinyan, who has yet to suffer a loss in his professional career, is currently rated at number six by The Ring Magazine and, yet, remains under the radar of many boxing fans; likely owing to a resume lacking in recognisable names. His stoppages are impressive and his talent is evident; if he is to win come Thursday, his sights should be set much higher, given his division is rich with talent – and competition.
The challenger, Shakeel ‘The Jamaican Juggernaut’ Phinn, is currently on a five fight winning streak and appears confident in his ability to beat Bazinyan. The 33-year-old is sure to give the champion difficulty, as he is also looking to make a name for himself in the division.
The rest of the card is built around highlighting talent, primarily those coming from Canada. For instance, 9-0 super featherweight Thomas Chabot will be looking to impress against 6-1-1 Alfredo Jimenez Espino, who is slightly below the level that Chabot has displayed so far in his very short career. ‘The Ghost’, only 24 years of age, will be looking to improve his 77% knockout ratio, adding ‘Duro’ to the list.
Fellow super featherweight Avery Martin Duval bills himself as ‘The Future’ and, with a 10-0-1 record at 22, seems promising. 8-2-1 Ezequiel Palaversic is his opponent for the night and will certainly give Duval some credibility, owing to Palaversic’s previous ownership of the WBC Youth Silver Featherweight trinket.
Ultimately, whilst not a loaded card, especially in comparison to other upcoming cards in May, the main event promises action to keep fight fans at bay before the explosive month truly begins.
Bazinyan vs. Phinn fight card
Bazinyan vs. Phinn fight card
- Erik Bazinyan vs. Shakeel Phinn; Super middleweight
- Thomas Chabot vs. Alfredo Jimenez Espino; Featherweight
- Avery Martin Duval vs. Ezequiel Palaversic; Lightweight
- Moreno Fendero vs. Nicolas Luque Palacios; Middleweight
- Alexandre Gaumont vs. Abdallah Luanja; Middleweight