Change Of Opponent For Arslanbek Makhmudov

Heavyweight Junior Fa surprised the boxing world recently when he announced his retirement, thus withdrawing from his scheduled bout on May 25 against Arslanbek Makhmudov. In Fa’s place comes Serbian national champion Miljan Rovcanin who will attempt to spoil the “Lion’s” comeback at the Gervais Auto Centre in Shawinigan.

Miljan Rovcanin (27-3, 18 KOs) has faced powerful punchers before, including during the 2018 European Championship when he competed against Agit Kabayel before facing U.S. heavyweight hope Jared Anderson two years ago. 

Since then, the 6’4’’240-pounder has remained active, winning his last three fights. Rovcanin has also been active in the gym, serving as the main sparring partner for contender Filip Hrgovic. It is because he is constantly in the gym that the 30-year-old did not hesitate when presented with the opportunity of facing the IBF No. 12 and the WBC No. 14 heavyweight contender in Makhmudov.

“Rovcanin is a good veteran who combines size and punching power. The only defeats he suffered were at the hands of the American super prospect, Jared Anderson, and the only man to defeat Arslanbek, Agit Kabayel,” said Montreal’s adopted trainer, Marc Ramsay.

This fight should provide answers to the questions that now surround Makhmudov following his defeat to Kabayel in December.

“I am glad we were able to find a replacement of this caliber, but even more anxious to see how Arslanbek’s right hand will react following his injury,” admitted Eye Of The Tiger Management (EOTTM) president Camille Estephan.

Following the bout between Rovcanin and Makhmudov, the main event will feature a duel between Christian ‘Solide’ Mbilli (26-0, 22 KOs) and the powerful English puncher Mark ‘Kid Dynamite’ Heffron (30-3-1, 24 KOs). In addition to adding another win to his record, Mbilli, currently ranked second by the WBC and WBA, third by the IBF, and fourth by the WBO, will try to make noise in the vast British market to gain visibility and continue his journey towards winning a world championship fight.

Also in action, EOTTM’s Venezuelan protege Albert Ramirez (18-0, 15 KOs) will face contender Adam Deines (23-2-1, 14 KOs) at light heavyweight. This bout will serve as an eliminator for the title currently held by Artur Beterbiev. Still in the light heavyweight division, Mehmet Unal (9-0, 7 KOs) will fight in his first scheduled 10-round bout against the surprising American brawler Rodolfo Gomez Jr (14-7-3, 10 KOs).

Finally, the future of Quebec boxing will also be showcased, as Wilkens Mathieu (8-0, 5 KOs), Christopher Guerrero (10-0, 5 KOs), Alexandre Gaumont (10-0, 7 KOs), as well as Jhon Orobio (8-0, 8 KOs) and Moreno Fendero (5-0, 4 KOs) will step into the ring.

Tickets are still available on the Ovation network. The event will also be broadcast live from 7:00 pm on Punching Grace and ESPN+.