Top Rank Announce Redemption Opportunity for Two Heavyweights Following ‘Day of Reckoning’ Defeats

Top Rank Boxing have announced an intriguing co-feature for May 25 with big-punching Christian Mbilli (26-0, 22 KOs) facing Englishman Mark Heffron (30-3-1, 24 KOs) and man mountain Arslanbek Makhmudov (18-1, 17 KOs) against Junior Fa (20-3, 11 KOs) as both heavyweights look to return to winning ways after defeats at “Day of Reckoning.” The entire Top Rank card will take place at the Gervais Auto Center in Shawinigan, Canada and be streamed live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.

Makhmudov vs. Junior Fa Co-Feature Alongside Christian Mbilli vs. Mark Heffron

Intriguing Doubleheader in Canada

Mbilli will defend his WBA International and WBC Continental Americas titles in a 10-round super middleweight belt against Heffron. In the co-feature Makhmudov will look to bounce back in a 10-round heavyweight bout following his devastating stoppage loss against Agit Kabayel, while Fa will be eager to return to cause a shock after also losing on the “Day of Reckoning” card by seventh-round TKO against Frank Sanchez.

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The international event will be presented by Eye of the Tiger, in collaboration with the Cataractes and the City of Shawinigan. The president from Eye of the Tiger recently spoke about the intriguing card: “It’s always a source of pride to bring major fights to Mauricie, but this time, I can undoubtedly say we’re reaching another level. These are highly risky international fights we’ll present on May 25, where there will be no room for error. But, with Mbilli and Arslanbek, we aim for the top, so we must be ready to face real challenges.” 

Christian Mbilli and Mark Heffron Target Victory

KO specialist Mbilli has expressed his confidence ahead of the Heffron fight: “No matter where he comes from and who he is, my opponent will have to arrive ready because on May 25, I will once again demonstrate why I belong with the elite of the super middleweights. Mark Heffron is just another boxer on my path. I respect him, but I won’t be gentle with him, just like with the others. I am convinced that we will deliver quite a fight in Shawinigan, but victory is the only option for me.”

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Heffron, who once fought to a draw with one-time world title challenger Denzel Bentley spoke about his gratitude regarding this fight:  “I am incredibly excited to be coming over to Canada to box Christian Mbilli. I have followed Christian’s career and always thought we would end up boxing each other. We are two of the most exciting super middleweights out there, so this will be an excellent fight that the fans will love. I am very confident of winning this fight. I wouldn’t be travelling all the way to Canada if I wasn’t sure of the win.”

Makhmudov Targets Redemption Against Junior Fa

Makhmudov will look to bounce back in style after his brutal loss to Kabayel, a fight in which he suffered a double-hand fracture. The Russian fighter will target revenge against Fa, who beat him by a five-round decision in 2012 in Mumbai, India, as part of the World Series of Boxing. Speaking on the chance for revenge – the Russian fighter said: “I’ve already faced him in a very close fight that he won when we were amateurs, so I am more than determined to avenge that defeat.”