MARC RAMSAY ranked the super-middleweight contenders Christian Mbili alongside light-heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev as one of the best fighters he has trained to date.
Ramsay's resume includes former world champions Jean Pascal, David Lemieux and Eleider Alvarez, while he currently manages Mbilli and Beterbiev at his Montreal gym.
“To be honest with you, he always had the right style even when he was an amateur fighter,” Ramsay said of the 2016 Olympian. “For me, it wasn't about targeting a top-level boxer, but targeting a guy who could be a top-level professional. His style was already at a high level when he came to us working with our team. We worked on some things to make it a high performance, but we still had to make sure he grew into a man.”
Brought out of the rookie program by Ramsay, Mbilli (27-0, 23 KOs) would set up a new home in Canada to begin his professional career in 2017.
“When he came here, he had just finished being a teenager,” explained Ramsay. “Now you are a man! He is old, he works at a high capacity. People, little by little, underestimated his technical ability. When they watch a video of him, they only see a person who fights to suppress, a boy who only knows how to fight. He is more complex than that, he is not just a pushover.
“In the last few years, you've easily entered the three athletes I've worked with. Very easy to deal with, professional every time. He is very focused on what he is doing, I put him next to Beterbiev. He never does anything wrong in training, he always sleeps at the right time, he always eats the right food, he always makes the right decision in training. I still have to make sure he takes a break though. Even if it is announced outside, you appreciate it, but the main focus is not there.
“After the Carlos Gongora fight [a unanimous-decision victory in March 2023] we believe we are ready to take a step to the next level, It's just a question of opportunity. I think right now we are ready and able to fight the best in the super-middleweight division and beat them. This has always been our goal, but we still have to show it and we will.”
Billi headlines the Center Videotron in his adopted home of Quebec on August 17th where he will face Ukrainian multi-time world title contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko (15-5, 10 KOs). The 29-year-old Frenchman, who was born in Cameroon, joins the super-middleweight belt waiting for a shot at the world title, currently held by joint champion Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez.
“Sergiy is a top class boxer,” continued Ramsay, “I think it will be a big challenge for Christian before challenging the top guys in the division. We need to make sure that the Christian learns something from this battle, not another beating. He must learn something that will prepare him for the big fight because when we go to those world title fights, we don't want to appear on stage, we want to win and be the champion.
“Derevyanchenko is a great fighter, a tough guy, a great professional and counter puncher. This is a new level of Christianity, I truly believe he is the best opponent we have ever faced. It's our chance to build a market in Quebec City. He left a great impression on the last show [there] where he was the main event of Artur Beterbiev [vs Callum Smith].”
Australia's Rohan Murdock fell victim to Mbilli's pressure and power in January, forcing him to retire at the end of the sixth round in January. He signed a deal with Top Rank alongside longtime promoter Eye of the Tiger. Following his successful night against Murdock, Oldham's Mark Heffron was defeated by a 40-second knockout in Shawinigan last May.
“He stole the show a little bit in the Beterbiev fight,” added Ramsay. “We want to use that platform again for this show and make sure we get credit for him. He is a great fighter, he is an offensive player and he throws a lot of punches. He is a complete fighter, I believe that people like these fighters of the throwing type. They appreciate the great fighters in Quebec. I think this coming war is a good way to continue to develop Christianity.”
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