Francis Lafrenière defeats Jean Pascal in historic Laval boxing event
Thousands of boxing fans gathered at the Colisée de Laval on June 27 for what organizers promoted as one of the biggest boxing events held in Laval in recent years, headlined by former world champion Jean Pascal and Quebec veteran Francis Lafrenière in a fight for the NABA Gold light heavyweight title.
The event, presented by New Era Sports & Entertainment and Jean Pascal Promotions, featured amateur bouts throughout the afternoon before professional fights began in the evening, culminating with the main event shortly after 10 p.m.
Two respected Quebec boxers meet for the NABA Gold title
Jean Pascal entered the ring as one of Quebec’s most accomplished professional boxers. During his career, he captured the WBC, IBO and Ring Magazine light heavyweight world titles between 2009 and 2011 before winning the WBA (Regular) light heavyweight championship from 2019 to 2021.
Across the ring stood Francis Lafrenière, who had described the bout as his personal world championship and announced beforehand that it would likely be the final fight of his professional career.
Lafrenière, a former IBF International, WBO-NABO, NABO and CPBC North American champion, moved up to the 175-pound division for the championship fight after months of preparation.
Fans fill the Colisée de Laval
Several thousand spectators attended the event, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the evening.
Police maintained a visible presence outside and inside the venue to ensure the event ran smoothly as fans arrived for the championship card.
Jean Pascal made a theatrical entrance dressed as a gladiator, drawing a strong reaction from the crowd before the opening bell.
Lafrenière earns unanimous decision victory
The opening rounds were highly competitive, with Lafrenière applying constant pressure while Pascal relied on his experience and counterattacks.
As the fight progressed, the crowd repeatedly chanted both fighters’ names as momentum shifted throughout the contest.
After ten rounds, the judges awarded Lafrenière a unanimous decision victory with identical scores of 96-93, making him the new NABA Gold champion.
According to multiple boxing reports published following the event, Pascal was knocked down in the eighth round, although the former world champion later disputed the ruling.
Emotional farewell and possibility of a rematch
Following the decision, Lafrenière thanked supporters and announced that he intended to retire from professional boxing.
“This fight was my world title,” Lafrenière had said before the bout. Following the victory, he thanked the crowd for its support throughout his career.
Pascal congratulated his opponent after the fight before publicly asking for a rematch.
According to post-fight reports, Lafrenière did not rule out the possibility but indicated that, from his perspective, his career had reached its intended conclusion.
A memorable night for Quebec boxing
Beyond the championship result, the evening showcased Quebec’s professional and amateur boxing scene, with approximately 20 bouts presented throughout the day.
For many in attendance, the Pascal-Lafrenière showdown delivered an emotional conclusion to a rivalry between two respected Quebec fighters, while giving Laval another major sporting event with national attention.
