Jean Pascal and Francis Lafrenière to headline Laval boxing card streamed worldwide
A boxing event featuring former world champion Jean Pascal and Quebec veteran Francis Lafrenière is set to receive international exposure later this month as organizers announced a new broadcasting partnership with UFC Fight Pass.
According to a June 15 press release from New Era Sports & Entertainment and Jean Pascal Promotions, the June 27 BFRÖZ Boxing Night at the Colisée de Laval will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass, a platform dedicated to combat sports.
The agreement will allow viewers around the world to watch the Laval-based event live, bringing international attention to one of the largest boxing cards scheduled in the region this year.
Credit New Era Sports Entertainment
Jean Pascal returns in NABA Gold championship bout
The main event will feature Jean Pascal competing for the NABA Gold championship.
According to organizers, the fight could be among the final bouts of Pascal’s professional career. The Quebec boxer is a former world champion who has built a reputation through multiple title fights and high-profile performances on the international boxing stage.
A fight built on legacy, pride and farewell
According to event organizers, the June 27 main event carries significance beyond the championship belt itself.
Former world champion Jean Pascal (37-8-1, 21 KOs) will face veteran Quebec boxer Francis Lafrenière (21-7-2, 11 KOs) for the NABA Gold title in what is being promoted as a showdown between two respected figures of Quebec boxing.
Pascal, who held the WBA (Regular) light heavyweight title from 2019 to 2021 and previously captured the WBC, IBO, Ring Magazine and lineal light heavyweight championships, described the fight as an important chapter in his career.
“Francis Lafrenière is not just an opponent. He represents a passage. The end of an era. The beginning of my final legacy.”
For Lafrenière, the bout represents what he describes as his personal world championship and is expected to be the final fight of his professional career.
The Quebec boxer has previously held several titles, including the CPBC Canadian championship, the NCC championship, the IBF International title, the WBO-NABO title, the NABO championship and the CPBC North American title. He was also ranked among the top 15 fighters in the world by two major boxing organizations during his career.
“This fight is my world title. I would be ready to visit hell to win. It will be my way of saying thank you and goodbye.”
Organizers say the event will feature nearly 20 bouts in total, including 10 amateur contests beginning at 3:30 p.m. and 10 professional fights starting at 7 p.m.
The card will also include a CPBC North American championship bout between Jan-Michael Poulin and Raphaël Courchesne. Several emerging Quebec boxing prospects are also expected to compete throughout the evening.
International visibility for Quebec boxing
In the press release, Yan Pellerin of New Era Sports & Entertainment said the UFC Fight Pass partnership represents a significant step for the organization and will help showcase Quebec fighters to a broader international audience.
The platform will allow boxing fans who cannot attend the event in person to follow every fight live from Laval.
Tickets for the June 27 event are available through the organizers’ website.
About New Era Sports & Entertainment
According to the organization, New Era Sports & Entertainment focuses on promoting Quebec boxing through event production, amateur boxer development and support for the next generation of professional fighters.
The organization says its goal is to provide opportunities for local athletes while helping increase the visibility of Quebec boxing on larger stages.
