The heart of Monaco is set to resonate with the pulsating rhythm of boxing as Matchroom Boxing, in collaboration with the Casino de Monte-Carlo and Eddie Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Sport, brings back an electrifying night of fights and world championships in English boxing. The Casino de Monte-Carlo will host this thrilling event, providing spectators with the unique opportunity to witness these incredible battles up close and personal.
The Monte-Carlo Showdown, publicly announced at a special presentation at One Monte-Carlo on Thursday, promises a spectacular night of boxing, featuring a stellar line-up of eight powerful boxers ready to grace the ring in their quest for world championship glory.
“On Saturday night, Monaco will be the worldwide capital for boxing,” said Laurent Puons, President of the Monegasque Boxing Federation.
Cordina vs Vasquez: a clash of determination
Among the headline bouts, Welsh fighter Joe Cordina will face off against the USA’s Edward Vasquez for the prestigious IBF World Super Featherweight Championship. Cordina and Vasquez are no strangers to the ring, and they’ve voiced their unwavering determination for this highly anticipated showdown.
“I feel like this is my time. I’m here for a reason,” Vasquez told the assembled press.
Cordina, who holds Monaco close to his heart as he last boxed in the Principality in 2019, declared, “I am ready to match whatever he brings and will do everything possible for Saturday’s fight”.
Fighters ready to shine
Another thrilling contest on the card is the clash between South Africa’s Sive Nontshinga and Mexico’s Adrian Curiel for the IBF World Light Flyweight Championships. Curiel is brimming with ambition, stating, “We have a lot of hunger to win. I hope it will be me who gets the victory.”
The WBC Welterweight Silver Championship will be up for grabs as French pugilist Souleymane Cissokho goes head-to-head with Mexico’s Isaias Lucero. Lucero’s determination was obvious on Thursday: “I have lots of hunger to get that win, that triumph. I want to do my best going into this fight.”
Lastly, the IBF Intercontinental Super Bantamweight Championship will see a fierce battle between Mexico’s Julissa Guzman II and Ramla Ali, of Great Britain/Somalia.
There’s no doubt these fighters will provide an electrifying match as they aim to give the people of Monaco a show they will never forget, and a “good clean fight”, said Nontshinga.
Boxing’s grand legacy in Monaco
The Monte-Carlo Boxing Showdown is more than just a series of boxing championships, it promises to be a thrilling spectacle that celebrates not only the art of the game but also the art of boxing.
While this is not Monaco’s inaugural boxing event, the dedicated boxing enthusiast Michael Wittstock, a former rugby player and father to Princess Charlene, who was present at the Boxing Showdown press conference, has played a pivotal role in co-organising boxing tournaments in Monaco since 2012.
These events have garnered invaluable support from both the Société des Bains de Mer and Prince Albert II. Wittstock’s unwavering commitment to the sport reached its peak in October 2014 when he orchestrated the fifth edition of the Monte-Carlo Boxing Bonanza, held at Casino de Monte-Carlo. Another Monte-Carlo Boxing Bonanza was organised in November 2018.
The stage is set for boxing glory
As the countdown begins to the Monte-Carlo Showdown on Saturday 4th November 2023, the boxing world is eagerly awaiting the battles that will unfold. The fighters are ready, the stage is set, and the Casino de Monte-Carlo is preparing to host an unforgettable night of boxing.
With fighters like Cordina and Vasquez prepared to give their all, this event is poised to deliver exhilarating moments and memorable victories.
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Main photo: Isaias Lucero, Adrian Curiel and Julissa Guzman II, by Monaco Life