Quebec boxers Pascal, Diaconu to make history
Last Updated: Thursday, April 30, 2009 | 6:15 PM ET
CBC Sports
Jean Pascal, right, earned a lot of respect in the boxing world for his spirited title bid against Carl Froch of Britain in December. (Nick Botts/Associated Press) Adrian Diaconu will defend his World Boxing Council light heavyweight title against Jean Pascal in an all-Quebec fight at the Bell Centre in Montreal, it was announced on Thursday.
It is the first time two fighters from the province have faced each other in a world title clash. The bout, scheduled for 12 rounds at the 175-pound division, will take place on June 19.
Diaconu (26-0, 15 knockouts) won the vacant belt in April 2008 by way of a decision against Chris Henry, but he finished shakily and is looking to re-establish his standing in the division after battling injuries and inactivity.
The Romanian-born fighter was originally slated to take on Silvio Branco of Italy, but the bout was eventually scuttled. Diaconu — who came to Montreal after representing his native country in the 2000 Olympics — returned to the ring after nearly one year away with an eight-round decision in a tune-up on April 4, beating David Whittom.
On that same card, Pascal (22-1-0 15 KO) got back in the win column with a fifth-round stoppage victory over Pablo Nievas.
Born in Haiti, Pascal raised his international profile with an impressive, albeit losing effort, in a close 12-rounder against Carl Froch of Britain in December. Pascal of Laval, Que., then helped Froch earlier this month in sparring sessions ahead of the British fighter's comeback knockout over American Jean Pascal in the 12th round last weekend.
Co-promoters InterBox and Groupe Yvon Michel will hold a press conference next Tuesday to officially announce the card.
