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Jean Pascal, Gary Kopas cruiserweight title match set for Sydney next month cancelled
A 12-round title fight that promoters have been calling the “Match of the Year” scheduled for next month in Sydney has been cancelled.
Former light heavyweight world champion Jean Pascal was scheduled to fight Gary Kopas, the current Canada Professional Boxing Council National Cruiserweight champion, for the belt on Nov. 9 at Centre 200. However, the fight has since been cancelled following the death of Pascal’s 89-year-old father last week in Haiti.
Yvon Michel, who is part of the promoting team helping to bring the boxing card to Cape Breton, confirmed on his Twitter account on Oct. 10 that both parties have agreed to cancel the match to allow Pascal to attend his father’s funeral, which is scheduled for this week in Haiti.
Pascal, who originally retired from boxing in December 2017 following a knockout win over Ahmed Elbiali, returned to the ring in July as a cruiserweight, defeating Steve Bosse in knockout fashion in Laval, Que.
The 35-year-old was set to enter the match with a 33-5-1 record with 20 knockouts.
As for the 39-year-old Kopas (10-11-2, 5 KOs), he last fought on Feb. 23, defeating Bladimir Hernandez Cazares for the vacant Canada Professional Boxing Council International Cruiserweight title in Saskatoon, Sask.
Despite the cancellation of the match, the eight-fight boxing card is still set to take place next month in Sydney. Full details and official match announcements have not been released yet.
Michel also confirmed on his Twitter account on Oct. 10 that Kopas will fight in Sydney, however the opponent was not confirmed at the time. As of Monday, the opponent still hasn’t been announced publicly. It’s expected he will defend his national title.
Ticket information for the event has also not been released as of Monday.