Mary Spencer vs Ogleidis Suarez Set For March 14

MONTREAL, January 23, 2025 – WBA super welterweight world champion Mary Spencer will defend her title for the first time against Venezuela’s former two-time world champion, Ogleidis Suarez, on March 14, in the co-main event of the gala at Théâtre St-Denis. The event, which will also be broadcast on Punchinggrace.com and ESPN+ starting at 6:30 PM, will feature eight fights, including the exciting local clash between Laval’s world contender Erik Bazinyan and Montreal’s heavy hitter Steven Butler.

“Suarez has never been stopped in less than five rounds, so in the past, I probably would have been tempted to go for the KO to make a statement. But to deliver the best performance possible, I want to focus on my fight, not hers. Yes, I’m a world champion now, but I’m convinced I haven’t shown my full potential yet. Boxing fans will see it for themselves when I return to Montreal on March 14,” commented Mary Spencer, the current 154 lb champion.

After representing Canada at the London Olympics in 2012, Canadian powerhouse Mary Spencer (9-2, 6 KOs) has shown her resilience in the professional ranks. After a spectacular debut with EOTTM, Spencer fought Femke Hermans twice for the IBO and IBF world titles. Despite two heartbreaking losses, she made a triumphant return last September to finally win the much-coveted WBA world title, defeating Naomi Mannes.

To remain at the top, Mary Spencer has decided to return to her roots. Her entire training camp will take place in Windsor under the guidance of Kara Ro, the former world champion turned coach, with whom Spencer achieved great success in her amateur career.

“I was in Mary’s corner during her amateur world championship wins and her Olympic qualification. So we picked up right where we left off. Fans can expect a professional version of what we did together in the amateurs: lots of power shots with both hands. The goal is not just to defend her world title but to do so in style,” promised Kara Ro, who gained her experience at Detroit’s legendary Kronk Gym.

For her part, Ogleidis Suarez (31-5-1, 15 KOs) will try to add another title to her already impressive resume. Nicknamed “La Niña,” the pride of Caracas, Venezuela, was the WBA featherweight world champion from 2011 to 2013. The following year, in 2014, she went on to win the WBA super featherweight world title. However, she is no stranger to the 154 lb division, having gone the distance against Marie-Eve Dicaire in Quebec in a world championship bout in 2019.

Also on the Undercard: Montreal-based super lightweight prospect Jhon Orobio (12-0, 11 KOs) will face the toughest challenge of his young career. Recently nominated as one of Ring Magazine’s Rookies of the Year, “El Tigre” Orobio will take on Argentine veteran Sebastian Aguirre (19-6, 12 KOs) in an 8-round fight. Last October, Aguirre delivered what could be the round of the year in Quebec, knocking down EOTTM prospect Luis Santana twice while being dropped himself, in a fight that went the full 8 rounds. Previously, Aguirre also went 10 rounds with Mazlum Akdeniz and 9 rounds with Steve Claggett.

Luis Santana (12-0, 6 KOs), who navigated the Aguirre storm masterfully, will also return for his first scheduled 10-round bout on March 14. In a lightweight clash, the Montrealer will face Boston’s Jonathan de Pina (14-2, 7 KOs). The pride of Témiscouata and current WBO International super featherweight champion, Leila Beaudoin (12-1, 1 KO), will step back into the ring for a 10-round fight. Finally, representing the Quebec and the Outaouais regions, Wilkens Mathieu (12-0, 8 KOs) and Alexandre Gaumont (12-0, 8 KOs) will compete in 8-round bouts against opponents to be announced shortly.