TORONTO — Tonight’s Canadian Super Lightweight Championship has threatened to boil over multiple times in the fight build-up.
Outspoken challenger Helmand Alekozai (14-0, 6 KO) has variously called out the career resume, coaching team and even genetic makeup of reigning champion Mark Smither (12-1) — whose initially stoic response finally gave way to outright anger at weigh-ins.
Experts in the Ontario fight game are divided on the Main Event, and there is no clear and decisive favourite between the two wildly different men set to enter the ring around 9:30 p.m. this evening. One neutral coach predicated a confident Smither unanimous decision, while an unaffiliated manager tipped Alekozai for a late stoppage.
Both fighters — and their fan bases — are appropriately charged-up for tonight’s Championship Feature at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto.
To consider Mark Smither and Helmand Alekozai is a study in contrasts.
Smither remained in Ontario for his camp, while Alekozai very publicly relocated to Allentown, Pa.; Smither refused to engage in verbal jousting online, Alekozai happily instigated it; Smither is taking his career a single fight at a time, Alekozai and his management team have a clear plan for his next 12 months.
Below the surface, however, there are undeniable similarities: Both have spent their careers fighting firmly on the A-side — Smither in Canada, Alekozai largely abroad — and are now drawn into a true 50/50 battle. Both also know they have something to prove to the rest of the Ontario and Canadian boxing scenes.
Most importantly, given the added layers of verbal tension and their history in the amateur ranks, they both have something to prove to the other.
In closing thoughts ahead of the high-drama Canadian Title which awaits tonight, I leave you with a favourite quote from the classic boxing book Fat City’ by Leonard Gardiner:
“In the end, it’s just you, your opponent and the referee.”
Heavyweight Co-Feature
Jamaican Olympic heavyweight Ricardo ‘Big 12’ Brown (11-0, 11 KO) will face a unique opponent in Adam Kolarik (7-7, 7 KO); 88% of the two men’s combined career fights have ended in knockout fashion, and fans can expect an electric co-feature tonight between the 6-foot-7 Brown and his solidly-built Czech opponent.
Samba Soul: Zeferino Returns
The ‘Brazilian Bomber’ Mayron Zeferino (6-1, 2 KO) makes his return to the professional ring tonight following a six-year hiatus; the popular Toronto product will fight Jamaican veteran Gregory Miller in front of a large contingent of fans and family, and easily cleared weight this morning.
Cabato Fight Off
Undefeated Toronto featherweight Michael ‘Machine Gun’ Cabato (5-0-1, 2 KO) will not face Mexican veteran Jonatan Lecona as scheduled tonight, after the former suffered a serious laceration requiring stitches overnight.
Confirmed Fight Card
Canadian Super Lightweight Championship: Mark Smither (12-1) vs. Helmand Alekozai (14-0, 6 KO)
Ricardo Brown (11-0, 11 KO) vs. Adam Kolarik (7-7, 7 KO)
Gisu Lee (11-4, 4 KO) vs. Alfredo Jimenez (6-2-1, 2 KO)
Mayron Zeferino (6-1, 2 KO) vs. Gregory Miller (2-10, 2 KO)
Joshua Frazer (10-0, 7 KO) vs. Marcos Cornejo (19-8, 18 KO)
Tickets are available on Ticketmaster.ca, and at the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto box office from 5:00 p.m.; first bell is slated for 7:15 p.m.
United Boxing Promotions
Featuring the province’s best fighters in world-class venues, Tyler Buxton’s United Boxing Promotions has a two-decade track record as Ontario’s premier boxing company. United’s roster includes a reigning WBA World Champion, four reigning IBO continental champions and a former WBO World Title Challenger.
