Stevenson-George Rumble Oct. 12

MONTREAL (August 29, 2012) — Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) announced yesterday that its ninth year of operation will commence in a few weeks. The popular GYM Boxing Series, “Fast & Furious,” as previously announced, returns this coming season with an improved Version 3.0 to the famed Bell Centre in Montreal.

Co-presented once again by Mise-O-Jeu and Videotron, in association with Evenko and the Bell Centre, four “Fast & Dangerous 3.0” events are scheduled, two in the fall and two in 2013, on October 12, December 14, February 8 and May 3.

International recognition

Former World Boxing Council (WBC) light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal (26-2-1, 16 KOs) remains the star of the GYM fighter stable. The goal this year is to position him to become world champion again. As soon as The Ring Magazine's No. 2 ranked contender is fully recovered from a hand injury and he has resumed training, his date to return to the ring will be determined. “Fast & Dangerous 3.0” is designed to allow International Boxing Federation (IBF) No. 2 rated super middleweight Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (18-1, 15 KOs), WBC International and WBC No. 8 ranked welterweight Antonin Decarie (26-1, 7 KOs), undefeated North American Boxing Association (NABA) champion Kevin Bizier (17-0, 12 KOs), unbeaten North American Boxing Organization (NABO) light heavyweight titlist Eleider “Storm” Alvarez (9-0, 5 KOs) to strengthen their positions among the top contenders in their respective division until they get world title shots; re-launch middleweight knockout artist David Lemieux on the international scene, and provide invaluable experience for undefeated Colombian heavyweights, now living in Montreal, Didier “Big Daddy” Bence (5-0, 2 KOs) and 2008 Olympian Oscar Rivas (11-0, 6 KOs). Other boxers will have opportunities to be showcased in this series, thanks to GYM's close collaboration with Hennessy Sports Canada, Eye of the Tiger Management and Boxing Club East. Stevenson will battle Don George on Oct. 12

New for 2012-2013

New ticket prices and venue configuration, plus fights for worthy causes.

Configuration
The venue configuration this year will encourage a more welcoming atmosphere, while the central placement of the ring will allow visual access on the Jumbotron screens, either standing or ringside, for all seats. VIP seating sections “Ringside” are available with the tables added last season.

Season tickets starting at $144

As in the past, the public has the option to purchase season tickets for four events at the Bell Centre, while enjoying a discount on the regular ticket price. This year ticket prices have been cut by more than 50-percent: $40.50, $70.50 and $110.50 in the stands. The discount also allows fans to now purchase a season ticket for the modest sum of $144 for all four events in the red section, an average of $36 per ticket.

Fighting for charities

GYM will present battles for charitable causes, matching two people uninitiated to the sport of boxing in fights of three, two-minute rounds, under the supervision of Boxing Quebec. A $ 2,000 purse will be awarded to the organization chosen by the winner. The purpose of the exercise, in addition to serving a good cause, is to provide an opportunity the two participating people could never imagine, climbing into the ring prepared to live and feel the same emotions as “real” boxers. The first fight will be between Pullman, 3412avenue Park vs. Filet 219 rue Mont-Royal O. Gabriel Jauvin, sommelier at Pullman, will clash with Denis Lessard, the butler of the Filet, in the light cruiserweight division. The two boxers have chosen to make their purse donation, respectively, to the foundation of Père Sablon or foundation Ali and Princes Street.

First Major Event on Oct. 12: Stevenson vs. George

GYM will launch the new season series Oct. 12 at the Bell Centre, headlined by the IBF super middleweight title eliminator between Quebec favorite Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (18-1-0, 15 KOs) and American invader Donovan “Da Bomb” George (23-2-1, 20 KOs). The winner between these two powerful hitters will automatically become the mandatory challenger to IBF champion Carl Froch.

“We are particularly pleased to resume our activities with this improved series of Fast & Furious, making it even more accessible to fans in a great atmosphere, as well as providing great opportunities for young GYM prospects who have bright futures,” GYM president Yvon Michel said. “We are also proud of the importance this season's first main event, matching Adonis “Superman” Stevenson and Don “Da Bomb” George in a fight that will set the tone for an especially crucial year for our boxers.”

The “Fast & Dangerous 3.0” series will be accessible to Canadian boxing fans in the comfort of their homes on television through Canal Indigo, Bell TV, and Shaw TV, as well WealthTV in the United States.

GYM thanks its key partners including Pierre Bibeau of Loto Quebec, Robert Dépatie of Videotron, Pierre Dion of TVA Sports, Jacques Aubé of Evenko, Charles Benoit and Martin Spalding from Astral Radio, Coors Light, Marc Roberge, Martin Trudel and Guy St-Pierre of Tonikgroupimage, Marcel Savard of BLlitho, Houston restaurants, Adidas and Rival. Almost all have been with GYM since the inception of the “Fast & Furies” series. Their involvement is critical and greatly appreciated.

Tickets are now on sale for the innovative and popular concept GYM Boxing Series, “Fast and Furious 3.0,” at the Bell Centre, on evenko.ca, GYM at (514) 383.0666 or club boxing champion (514) 376-0980 for the following prices:

                       One Event                                         Season

                       $40.50                                                $144 ($36 per ticket)

                       $70.50                                                $246 ($61.50 per ticket)

                       $110.50                                              $382 ($95.50 per a ticket)

Ringside         $160.50                                              $552 ($138 per ticket)

Tables (8)       $226.08                                              $774.96 ($193.74 per ticket)

About Groupe Yvon Michel Inc:

Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) was founded in 2004. The organization's mission is the development of high-level boxers, supported by coaching and management for competition. To achieve its objectives, GYM actively recruits talent and organizes events. Since its inception eight years ago, GYM has produced 105 events, including historical ticket sales and PPV viewership for Pascal vs. Hopkins I and II. GYM has produced more than 300 hours of television with Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV, TVA Sports, VOX, TVA, CBC, RDS and V, in Canada, as well as HBO, Showtime and ESPN in the United States. A total of 6 different GYM's boxers participated in 16 world championship fights in the world. Under the tutelage of GYM Joachim Alcine captured the WBA super welterweight title in 2007 and Jean Pascal 2009 the WBC Light heavyweight crown in 2009.