Jean Pascal vs Lucian Bute Preview

By Peter Wells:


Lucian Bute (left) and Jean Pascal (right)

Jean Pascal and Lucian Bute will not just be fighting for bragging rights; they will also be squaring off to elevate their value in the Light Heavyweight division. Both former Super Middleweights – Bute most recently – have a lot to prove at 175lbs. 




Pascal’s stock went down when beaten by ageless wonder Bernard Hopkins, while Bute looks to re-invent himself having been obliterated by Carl Froch at 168. The stakes could not be much higher in an all Canadian clash – Bute was born in Romania but lives out of Canada.



While Pascal 28-2-1(17) is the shorter man, he will have the size advantage tomorrow night, having fought at Light Heavyweight since moving up in 2009, instantly winning the WBC title against unbeaten Adrian Diaconu (UD 12). Like Bute, Pascal moved up a weight division following defeat to Carl Froch (UD 12).

Pascal went on to beat Diaconu again (UD 12) and Silvio Branco (TKO 10), before boxing superbly to defeat Chad Dawson (TD 11). But his reputation was badly hurt when he was fortunate to draw with B-Hop in their first encounter before justice was done when Hopkins won the rematch on points. After over a year out of the ring Pascal has returned to score victories over Aleksy Kuziemski (UD 10) and George Blades (TKO 5).



Since 2007 Bute 31-1(24) reigned as IBF Super Middleweight champion, beating the likes of Librado Andrade (UD 12 & KO 4), Fulgencio Zuniga (TKO 4) and Jean-Paul Mendy (KO 4), before his fateful night against ‘The Cobra’. Having struggled at times with Denis Grachev (UD 12) last time out, Bute has a big point to prove in the Bell Centre.

With identical wingspans, the speed of Pascal could become a huge factor, his in and out style, applied so effectively against Dawson, could prove just as fruitful once again. Bute will look to box methodically, while digging in hurtful shots, trying to slow Pascal down. But Jean proved how solid his chin was against Froch, and in his 17 stoppage wins, he has proved he can bang as well.

Pascal has indeed slowed slightly since beating Dawson, which will keep Bute in the fight throughout, but one has the feeling that Pascal’s strength and timing will keep him one step ahead at almost all times.



Carlos Takam (left) and Mike Perez (right)

To be victorious, Bute must remain tight in defence while picking his shots against a man whose defence has been called into question before. However the pick is for Pascal to constantly keep Bute on the back foot, dominating down the stretch for a close but unanimous decision win.

On the undercard Mike Perez 20-0(12) returns to the ring following his entertaining but ultimately tragic fight with Magomed Abdusalomov. Magomed was left in a coma following his point’s loss, but all signs are pointing to a positive recovery for the Russian who is now attending a Rehabilitation centre, and while there is still a long way to go, most importantly Abdusalomov is still alive.

Perez will be looking to continue his push up the Heavyweight ladder, having slipped off the radar in recent years. His opponent is yet another tough-as-they-come fighter in Cameroonian Carlos Takam 29-1(23). Takam, slightly taller than Perez, suffered his only defeat on points against Gregory Tony in 2009. Notable victories have come against Frans Botha (TKO 11) and Michael Grant (TKO 8).

While Perez is a clean boxer, Takam is a rugged come-forward fighter. Built like a body-builder, Takam comes forward in straight lines but possess mean power in his overhand right, and his compact style and constant lateral movement make him an elusive target at times.

Like Abdusalomov, Takam can pose plenty of problems for Perez, but so long as the Abdusalomov incident has not taken too much out of Perez mentally – like it has to so many fighters before him - the neater boxing of the Cuban can win him the contest on the cards.



Eleider Alvarez

Another promising Canadian Light Heavyweight Eleider Alvarez 13-0(8), who was set to fight South African Thomas Oosthuizen, before he pulled out injured, will now take on fellow Canadian Andrew Gardiner 10-0(6).

Alvarez boxes tall, and uses a sharp, rangy jab, while his quick feet ease him out of danger without taking too much punishment. Alvarez is active with the right hand, landing the uppercut through the middle when needed. Defensively Alvarez is adept, but is susceptible to the left hook when throwing the right hand.  He was been moved through the ranks quickly beating Shawn Hawk (UD 12) – who straight after losing to Alvarez fought Nathan Cleverly for the WBO Light Heavyweight title – Danny McIntosh (KO 8), Nicholson Poulard (TKO 3) and last time out Edison Miranda (UD 10).

Gardiner is surprisingly the same height as Alvarez, but instead of fighting tall, Gardiner applies a compact style, keeping his hands up high, before ripping away once on the inside. Gardiner could find success with his left hook which he throws with some venom, but ultimately this could be a step too far for the less experienced Gardiner.

Having only once been past round 5, Gardiner will struggle to find a groove in this contest. If Alvarez is to fulfil his potential then he should easily dispatch replacement Gardiner, stopping the brave but outclassed fighter in 8 rounds.