Michael Eifert SHOCKS Jean Pascal; Claims Unanimous Decision And Artur Beterbiev IBF Mandatory Position
Michael Eifert Upsets Jean Pascal Via Unanimous Decision In IBF Final Eliminator
Jean Pascal was defeated via unanimous decision overnight by German Michael Eifert in an IBF Light Heavyweight Final Eliminator in Pascal’s home of Quebec, Canada.
Pascal was dominated throughout the contest by underdog Eifert, being pushed back and battered, with visible damage to Pascal’s face. Eifert’s work landed him scorecards of 118-110, 117-111, and 115-113. At 40 years old, Pascal doesn’t look like he has anywhere else to go at this point, with retirement looking as the likely option for the former world champion.
Joshua Buatsi will be waking up disappointed today, having withdrawn from the eliminator against Pascal, after Lou Di Bella and Frank Warren won purse bids for the contest late last year. Buatsi surely would have fancied his chances given Pascal’s display.
Buatsi signed with leading promoter BOXXER on Wednesday, ending his long-term relationship with Matchroom far from amicably. He fights on May 6 In Birmingham against an undetermined opponent live on Sky Sports.
Unified IBF, WBC, and WBO Champion Beterbiev is unlikely to face Eifert for the title, as he will be defending against WBC mandatory Callum Smith next, after this he will look for an undisputed clash against WBA champion Dmitry Bivol. Eifert will likely fight for a vacant title sometime in 2024. Joe Smith Jnr ranked 4, and Dan Azeez is ranked 7, the two are possible opponents for the title.
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