Surrey’s rising star in the boxing world, Eric Basran, secured a spot in the quarter-finals of the inaugural Riyadh Season/World Boxing Council (WBC) Boxing Grand Prix after a hard-fought victory over Isaiah “Kyree-James” Johnson, an unbeaten American southpaw from Philadelphia.
Basran won the six-round split decision in an intense opening-round matchup, showcasing his exceptional skills on the global stage. His victory ensures his place among the 16 remaining boxers in the tournament, set to resume in June with a high-stakes quarter-final bout against Danylo Lozan, a promising 22-year-old challenger from Ukraine.
From Surrey to the World: Basran’s Journey Continues
“I’m in it to win it, and I can’t wait for the next round,” said Basran, reflecting on his performance and the road ahead. His win puts him one step closer to the prestigious Jose Sulaimán Trophy, awarded to the top boxer in the competition, with $200,000 in prize money at stake.
The Riyadh Season Boxing Grand Prix is an elite competition designed to highlight the next generation of boxing champions. Boxers under the age of 26, with fewer than 10 professional bouts, are competing in four weight categories. The tournament is streamed live on dazn.com/wbc, ensuring global fans can follow the action.
Promoter’s Confidence: Basran’s Skill Is Unmatched
Basran’s promoter, Dan Otter of Three Lions Promotions, expressed his confidence in his fighter’s future in the competition. “Round one is done, and he showed his skill set. He was by far the most skilled boxer in his weight class,” Otter said. “I gave my word before the tournament started that Basran is going to win the tournament.”
This victory is a significant milestone for Basran, a four-time Canadian national champion and 2019 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist. Having boxed since the age of 11, Basran has made a name for himself as one of Canada’s most promising young talents. His early accomplishments include winning the 2019 Canadian Olympic Qualifier, further cementing his reputation in the amateur boxing circuit.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Surrey Boxing
Basran’s quarter-final match in June is shaping up to be a thrilling contest. Fans of Basran and the sport can look forward to watching him represent Surrey and Canada on the world stage. His continued success at the Riyadh Season Grand Prix is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting career.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more updates on Eric Basran’s journey and his performance at the WBC Boxing Grand Prix, as well as other breaking news in the world of sports.
