Jean Pascal Inks Historic Multi-Million Dollar Deal
It’s good news for Montreal boxing fans and the Haitian-Montreal community alike, as WBC world light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal has signed a new, historic multi-million dollar deal with promoter Yvon Michel.
Pascal, whose sole defeat came at the hands of former WBC super middleweight titlist Carl Froch, is guaranteed $1,050,000 to defend his title against Chad Dawson, Ring Magazine’s No.1 light heavyweight. The fight will take place on Aug. 14th. A successful defense would guarantee a second million dollar purse in a following bout.
Pascal, who was born in Haiti, was looking to determine new terms as his contract expires next May. The new contract with GYM Promotions was finalized before a June 17 press conference confirming the bout between him and Dawson. Fans are eagerly anticipating the fight, which looks to zap the light heavyweight division with some much needed gusto.
The contract is historic in that it is the highest ever given out to a boxer in Quebec—higher even than that of Montreal’s other superstar fighter, super middleweight champion Lucian Bute.
Pascal is looking to avenge his sole defeat and assert his pound for pound dominance. As many as three American promoters were reported to have their eyes on him, but the fighter was content to remain fighting out of Quebec, despite less economic impetus.
The fight with Dawson confirms Pascal as the first Canadian fighter to receive more than a million dollars for a fight in Canada.
"I am a bit uncomfortable talking about that, but it's the reward based on the risk," Pascal said in regards to the historic contract. "Dawson is ranked sixth in the world, all categories included. The HBO venue also explains the (prize) amount."
The fight will take place at the Bell Centre in Montreal.
As a boy Pascal moved from Haiti to the city of Laval, just outside of Montreal. It remains his home base. He has been fighting under GYM Promotions since the debut of his professional career in 2005.
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