Light heavyweight boxers Jean Pascal and Francis Lafreniere both made weight on Friday, June 26, 2026, ahead of their NABA Gold title championship bout scheduled for Saturday at the Colisee de Laval.
Former world champion Pascal initially weighed in 0.7 pounds over the mandatory 175-pound limit at the New Era Sports & Entertainment event, but reached 173.65 pounds after an hour and a half of additional training.
Pascal attributed the initial miss to a malfunctioning scale, stating it was the first time in his career he encountered such an issue.
Lafreniere easily secured his spot on the card by weighing in at 174.4 pounds, marking a significant drop from his walking weight of 205 to 210 pounds during his six-year retirement.
Lafreniere confirmed this bout against Pascal would serve as the final performance of his 21-year boxing career, regardless of the outcome.
He spent five months preparing for this matchup alongside his longtime trainer, Howard Grant, who has coached the athlete for over two decades.
Lafreniere expressed profound appreciation for the opportunity to test his skills against an elite opponent before stepping away from professional competition entirely.
He noted that his intense preparation leaves him completely at peace with his choice to retire following Saturday night's local event.
Lafreniere added that returning to the ring after a lengthy period of competitive inactivity allowed him to secure meaningful personal achievements.
He acknowledged that concluding his lifelong dedication to training alongside his teammates brings forth inevitable sentimental reflections.
Lafreniere explained that he feels ready to transition out of combat sports while maintaining his physical well-being.
He emphasized that his achievements are complete and he looks forward to spending time with his family after the final bell rings.
Trainer Howard Grant, who recently celebrated his 60th birthday, expressed immense confidence in his fighter's capabilities during a media interview.
Grant noted that Lafreniere demonstrated immediate sincerity and unmatched dedication when he first returned to the gym last August.
Grant believes that observers frequently underestimate Lafreniere's strategic depth and fighting spirit ahead of major athletic contests.
Lafreniere indicated that he hopes to secure a memorable performance that local boxing enthusiasts will discuss for years to come.
He noted that he can relate to Pascal's hesitation regarding retirement, as walking away from the competitive adrenaline remains difficult.
Lafreniere acknowledged that stepping away from professional athletics presents distinct mental challenges for veteran competitors.
He indicated he remains prepared to alter his usual pressure-heavy ring strategy depending on Pascal's movements.
Lafreniere concluded by stating that he anticipates an elite performance from his opponent during the main event clash.
He hopes the upcoming match mirrors the intensity of his historic 2016 victory against Renan St-Juste at the Bell Centre.
Lafreniere reaffirmed his unwavering stance on retirement following his final career match this weekend.
New Era Sports Entertainment promoter Yan Pellerin announced that the boxing card will stream live for free on the promotional company's official YouTube channel.
