by Richard Cloutier 

In the presence of dozens of fans gathered at the Cage aux Sports at the Bell Centre for the InterBox Gala scheduled for Saturday, the two main headliners, world IBF super middleweight champion Lucian Bute (27-0-0) and his aspiring opponent, European champion Brian Magee (34-3-1), complied with the weight limit, respectively, with an identical weight of 167.6-pounds. Both men later made their selections of gloves and returned to complete their preparation.

"Although not physically impressive, he came here to fight and seize his opportunity," said Lucian Bute when discussing Magee. "He has great heart and I have not neglected my preparation for this challenge. "

During this battle, there will be an interested spectator at ringside. Former champion Mikkel Kessler has arrived in the country. The President of InterBox, Jean Bédard, plans to meet with the WBC Emeritus champion, and his promoter, Sauerland Event, later in the evening to discuss a Bute vs. Kessler battle. The fight could be held this fall. And during the negotiations, a June comeback fight will also be discussed - between Kessler and the current NABO champion Renan St-Juste.

St-Juste was initially scheduled for the card against Colombia's Alejandro Berrio but was forced to withdraw on Thursday for health concerns. The new co-feature will place prospect Pier-Olivier Cote (14-0-0) against Mexican veteran Michael Lozada (37-7-1), who lost against Paulie Malignaggi at December 18 at the Pepsi Coliseum.

 

Also, the current NABO and NABA super welterweight champion Vanes Martirosyan (28-0-0) will face Mexican Bladimir Hernandez (18-4-0). On the undercard, Benoit Gaudet (23-2-0) will face Adrian Verdugo (14-3-1). Sebastien Gauthier (19-2-0) will face Jovanny Soto-Ramirez (31-9-1). The Romanian featherweight Viorel Simion (12-0-0), an Olympian in Athens, will take on Pedro Navarrete (25-10-3). Finally, the heavyweight from Montreal, Schiller Hyppolite will make his professional debut against Mike Buccanan (0-0-1) in Vancouver. As for Colin McFadden, he will be measured against local Patrick Tessier (4-12-2).