Press Conference Notes: Mbilli Aims for Interim Glory

QUEBEC CITY, Canada — French-Canadian powerhouse Christian Mbilli will finally get his shot at interim gold when he squares off with seasoned Polish veteran Maciej Sulecki this Friday, June 27, at the Videotron Centre in Quebec City. The fight headlines a stacked card promoted by Eye of the Tiger and will be broadcast live on ESPN+ starting at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT.

Mbilli (28-0, 23 KOs), known for his relentless pressure and destructive power, enters the biggest fight of his career riding an 80+% knockout ratio. Having built his reputation as one of the division’s most feared contenders, the 2016 Olympian is hungry to prove he belongs among the elite at super middleweight.

“This is the moment I’ve waited for my entire career,” said Mbilli. “I’ve worked for years to earn a shot at a world title, and now I’m ready to show the world what I can do.”

Across the ring stands Maciej Sulecki (33-3, 13 KOs), a crafty and experienced former title challenger. Fresh off a surprise 10th-round TKO win over Ali Akhmedov in Kazakhstan, Sulecki is confident in playing spoiler once again — this time in enemy territory.

Co-Main Event: Butler Seeks Redemption Against Macias

In the night’s co-feature, Canadian fan-favorite Steven Butler (35-5-2, 29 KOs) looks to avenge a shocking loss to Jose De Jesus Macias (29-13-4, 15 KOs). In their first encounter in 2021, Macias stopped Butler in the fifth round in one of the year’s biggest upsets. Now, with hometown support behind him, Butler will try to even the score and reignite his championship aspirations.

Heavyweight Fireworks: Makhmudov Returns vs. Ricardo Brown

Heavy-hitting heavyweight Arslanbek Makhmudov (19-2, 18 KOs) returns to action in a high-risk bout against undefeated Ricardo Brown (12-0, 11 KOs). Known for his devastating power, Makhmudov looks to bounce back after a recent setback, but the Ontario-based Brown brings a nearly identical knockout percentage and serious ambitions of his own.

How to Watch

Fans can catch all the action from Quebec City live on ESPN+ in the United States, with the broadcast kicking off at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT.

With three high-stakes matchups on deck and a raucous Canadian crowd expected at the Videotron Centre, June 27 promises to be an unforgettable night of world-class boxing.

This is what the Mbilli and Sulecki said at Wednesday’s press conference.

Christian Mbilli

“It’s been a long time. We’ve been waiting for this day for a long time, but we’ve finally made it. We’re making it happen. And Friday will be a day of glory. The belt will be coming home.” “I always say that after such a difficult journey, this entire training camp, and all the ups and downs, there has to be someone who will pay the price. And think Sulecki will have to pay for it on Friday.” “As usual, I expect a spectacular fight, and once again, I’ll be leaving with the victory.”

“I’m not going to say that I will put him out faster than {common opponent} Diego Pacheco did. But I can promise a more spectacular fight, and that, at the end of it, Sulecki will feel more pain than after his fight with Pacheco. That said, if the KO happens, good, because I’m not paid to do overtime.”

Maciej Sulecki

“This is a big honor for me. I’m ready for a great fight. I had a good camp, and I had great sparring partners.”

“I know Christian Mbilli is a good fighter. He is very strong and aggressive, and sometimes he’s very wild in the ring. But I know what I have to do in the ring. I’m ready.”

“The most important thing for Mbilli right now is this fight with me. This will be very difficult for him. He can talk all he wants about his plans, but he has to fight me first.”

Christian Mbilli vs Maciej Sulecki Fight Card – Friday, June 27 LIVE on ESPN+ (6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT):

Christian Mbilli vs. Maciej Sulecki, 12 Rounds, Vacant WBC Interim Super Middleweight Title

Steven Butler vs. Jose De Jesus Macias II, 10 Rounds, Super Middleweight

Arslanbek Makhmudov vs. Ricardo Brown, 10 Rounds, Heavyweight

Wilkens Mathieu vs. Adagio McDonald, 8 Rounds, Light Heavyweight

Jhon Orobio vs. Zsolt Osadan, 10 Rounds, Vacant WBC Continental Americas Junior Welterweight Title

Christopher Guerrero vs. Sandy Messaoud, 10 Rounds, Guerrero’s WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Title

Leila Beaudoin vs. Elhem Mekhaled, 10 Rounds, Beaudoin’s WBO International Junior Lightweight Title

Luis Santana vs. Eduardo Estela, 10 Rounds, Lightweight

Wyatt Sanford vs.  Mark Andrejev, 6 Rounds, Junior Welterweight

Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.

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