By Hans Olson
Wasting no time between fights, Adonis “Superman” Stevenson jumps right back in the ring on April 20 to face Noe “El Carbonero” Gonzalez in a 12-round elimination bout for Stevenson’s IBF Intercontinental, North American Boxing Organization (“NABO”) and North American Boxing Association (“NABA”) 168-pound titles, as well as Gonzalez’ WBC Silver title. Gonzalez is currently rated #2 at 168 lb. by the WBC.
Confirming what I reported in last week’s Quebec Scene column, the fight will be televised live in America on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights.
“We are pleased to showcase this eliminator bout with two solid fighters who both have impressive KO records and ability,” said Doug Loughrey, ESPN Director of Programming, in Groupe Yvon Michel’s press release today.
“The Bell Center has continuously delivered great fights with a passionate and dedicated live boxing audience. We trust this Friday Night Fights telecast will capture that energy.”
Stevenson returns just weeks removed from his chilling knockout Jesus Gonzales back in February.
This was only a a couple months after his destruction of Aaron Pryor Jr. last December.
“Adonis could have waited until the IBF appointed another opponent,” said Stevenson’s promoter Yvon Michel, president of Groupe Yvon Michel (“GYM”) when referring to Librado Andrade’s refusal to fight the Longueuil native.
“But he is on a mission to become world champion. If he has to fight this eliminator to be the top contender in order to better position himself to become world champion, he will do just that, and a win over Gonzalez would be a major step in that direction.”
Noe Gonzalez, an Argentinian born in Uruguay, is a relative unknown fighter to most North American boxing fans — but his credentials are solid. A massive puncher, Gonzalez’ only defeat was a decision loss to the German WBO champ Felix Sturm in 2007. Since then, Noe has gone on to win 14 bouts in a row, 13 of those wins coming by way of knockout.
Also slated to appear on the card are local favorites Antonin Decarie, Elieder “Storm Alvarez, Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas, and Didier “Big Daddy” Bence.
Boxing Insider’s Hans Olson can be reached at [email protected] Follow @hansolson
