Out of Africa

Former National Champ Jean Pascal Comes to Canada to Launch a Career in Pro Boxing

Originally from Central Africa, this 6’1, Light-Heavyweight was a National Team member in his native Banguy and as a result was given the opportunity to travel to Canada in 2001 to participate in the Francophone games. Unfortunately for Pascal he lost to a rangy southpaw in his first fight and was eliminated from the tournament. “I still feel I did enough to win the fight,” he claims. “But I guess the judges saw it differently.” Regardless of the decision, however, Pascal is still very grateful for having had the opportunity to represent his country on the world stage and ultimately to find a new home.

“Canada is such a wonderful country,” he says with a big smile. “Such openness and acceptance – it makes me feel like I can accomplish anything here.” And that’s definitely a good thing because this young man has big plans, including a career in professional boxing. “It’s always been my dream,” explains Pascal. “And after hundreds of amateur fights and lots of international exposure it seems like the next logical step.” Head coach, Ron Gervais, echoes these sentiments and firmly supports his fighter’s decision. “He’s got a lot of experience and is technically very sound,” explains Gervais. “There just isn’t much left for him to do as an amateur.”

Questions and Answers

What are the main differences between boxing in Africa and in Canada?

Pascal: Back home the training is also very hard and the competition fierce, but here in Canada the gyms themselves are better – more equipment, better maintenance and everything is newer.

What was your club like in Africa?

Pascal: It was called F.A.C.A. which stood for “Force Army Central Africa” and while owned and operated by the military, civilians were allowed to join. The coaching was also very good – in fact my personal trainer was an Olympic Bronze Medallist in Los Angeles in 1980.

Describe your weekly training schedule back in Africa

Pascal: We trained 5 days per week (Monday-Friday) from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and all 5 workouts were mandatory for serious competitors. It was a heavy workload but it prepared us well for competition.

How did you make it to the Central African National Team?

Pascal: Well I wasn’t actually the National Champ at the time, but was still invited to the qualifying tournament for the Francophone games. I performed very well and beat the National Champ so I was the man who got to go to Canada in the 75 kg. class.

What was your impression of the Francophone Games?

Pascal: Just like Canada, well-organized and very friendly and even though I didn’t win I really enjoyed myself – in fact it was one of the best tournaments I’ve ever been to.

What was your toughest fight ever?

Pascal: That’s easy, I was 16 years old and a Junior National Champ when I was invited to France for a 16-fight tour, I won 11, lost 5, and overall was very satisfied with my performance. But one of the fights … oh, what a war. It was an inter-club fight and I had made it to the finals – I was bleeding from the nose, my opponent was also cut, we were both down once and throwing a lot of leather. But when the smoke finally cleared I won a close decision and a Gold medal. What a fight, I’ll never forget that one.

Who were your greatest influences growing up?

Pascal: As far as fellow countrymen go it was a tough middleweight named Mapuca Gabriel. He was also a member of F.A.C.A. had a lengthy amateur career, turned pro and moved to France. Since then he has captured the French middleweight title twice and is still going at age 36.

As far as heroes from other lands, I have many, but one stands above the rest, Muhammad Ali. I have so much respect for him both as an athlete and a human being. Inside the ring he was a great boxer with tremendous ability and heart. Outside of the ring he was a man who stood up for what he believed in and would not be intimidated. Ali had a real influence on me personally and I still have a big poster of him on my wall. To me Muhammad Ali will always be “The Champ”.

Until he turns pro, Jean Pascal says he’ll remain with the Kerwin Boxing Club. “I’m very happy here,” he admits. “And it feels like home.” Head coach, Ron Gervais, also feels very fortunate to have Jean Pascal as an active member. “I’ve known him for 2 years now and he’s great to be around. He’s a friend to everyone, helps train the younger fighters and shows good leadership skills. Frankly,” says Gervais, “It’s hard to imagine the place without him.”