By Peter Lerner: In the previous two parts of our international review of 2011 we looked at South Africa. This time round we turn our attention to Canada. Casting his expert opinion over the Canadian scene is Fightnews Canada editor and co-creator Dave Spencer. For the past ten years he has brought the world news from Canada as Fightnews’s Canadian correspondent. Based in Montreal, he also contributes to the Montreal Gazette and Canadian Press.
Who was the fighter of the year in Canada? Lucian Bute, super middle (30-0)
"Lucian Bute. Not the opponents you may have wanted for a super-middleweight most have in their top two, but Bute beat the best he could find with 3 more defences of his IBF 168 crown. With the super-six tying up the upper-echelon of the division, Bute was forced to take challenges where he could find them, including mandatory challenger Jean Paul Mendy who was technically undefeated. The French fighter was run-over by Sakio Bika in an IBF title elimination fight but was awarded a first round victory when it was deemed that Bika hit him when he was down. Despite the one-sided result inside the ring, Mendy still got his chance and the fight was held in Bute’s native Romania with predictable results; the first significant punch had him folding like a lawn chair. Against his other two opponents, Bute performed better than anyone else in recent memory. Against Brian Magee, he knocked the tougher than expected Belfast fighter down three times (only two were counted) before finishing things for good with an uppercut to the jaw in the 10th. It was only the second time in 39 fights that Magee had been stopped and eclipsed the 11th round stoppage by Super Six finalist Carl Froch in 2006 by one round. Bute ended the year against personal friend and former sparring partner Glen Johnson. The fight snapped the six fight knockout streak of Bute but was still a dominant performance for the southpaw who calls Montreal home. It was the kind of fight you might expect between friends but Bute swept the scorecards handing Johnson his most one-sided defeat since 1997 against Bernard Hopkins."
What were the fights of the year in Canada?
"David Lemieux vs Joachim Alcine: Alcine, a former world champ and supposedly fading, was brought in as the sacrificial lamb to serve up to Lemieux who was coming off his only career loss. It didn’t quite work out like that as Alcine who had won just two of his last five fought better than he had in years on his way to an upset decision.
"Logan McGuinness vs Benoit Gaudet. A former world title challenger, Benoit Gaudet had everything seemingly in hand when his provincial rival, who was forced to move down in weight, came roaring back to score a come from behind TKO win in the 11th round of their NABA title match-up.
"Kevin Bizier vs Lanardo Tyner: Welterweight Kevin Bizier swept virtually every round in his 12 round tilt with Lanardo Tyner, but it the fight still had its excitement as Bizier was forced to work every minute of the fight. Bizier won the rounds, but each and every one was exciting and competitive."
Who was the most improved fighter in Canada in 2011? Adonis Stevenson, super middle (16-1)
“2010 saw the heavy hitting southpaw seeking greener pastures in the US and getting starched in the second round by journeyman Darnell Boone. Back home and with time being of essence for the now 34 year-old, Stevenson was fast tracked with no soft touches as he reunited with his former promoter (Yvon Michel). Stevenson scored a trio of knockouts over an opposition with a combined record of 52-6 and moved into the top ten with most sanctioning bodies.”
Those wins that Spencer is referring to were over Derek Edwards (KO 3), Dion Savage (TKO 1) and Aaron Pryor Junior (TKO 9). His next fight is scheduled for 18th February against the once-highly touted Jesus Gonzales. Stevenson has just teamed up with Emanuel Steward.
Who were the best imports to come to Canada in 2011? Bernard Hopkins, light heavy (52-5-2); Lionell Thompson, light heavy (12-0)
“The most impressive feat by a non-Canadian fighter on Canadian soil was of course the ageless Bernard Hopkins and his historic win versus Jean Pascal. But while Hopkins’s exploits are of course well documented, those of another light heavyweight import, Lionell Thompson, are not. The past year marked the third year of Thompson’s career and while the first two only netted the Buffalo fighter a total of four fights, 2011 saw the 26 year old push his record to 12-0 with eight victories, three of which occurred on Canadian soil. While most were against hand-picked opponents and fighters with sub .500 records, the talent base is there for all to see. Thompson is a complete package of speed, power and boxing ability, and he should be making his mark on the world stage fairly soon.”
Thompson has also had one fight in the UK, stopping Phil Goodwin in two rounds on the Tyson Fury-Neven Pajkic undercard. Thompson was the New York State Golden Gloves champion in 2006 and 2007. In March he will be facing potentially his toughest foe to date, 11-1 Azea Augustama.
