Arsen Goulamirian vs. Ryad Merhy - March 24th on Canal+ Sport; under the radar gem

WBA doubleheader in Bouches-du-Rhône, France; with "Abou" Soro & "The Phenom" Vera squaring off for the interim 154lb world title in the co-main event while 22-0 (14) Arsen "Feroz" Goulamirian, a tall & strong body-punching Armenian-Frenchman takes on 24-0 (20) Côte D’Ivoirian-Belgian kayo artist Ryad "La Bête" Merhy for the vacant world cruiser title (last held by Yunier Dorticos, up for grabs since he entered the WBSS tourney).

Goulamirian reminds me of a bit of Firat Arslan, which I don't mean to be an insult but does mean he isn't exactly going to dazzle you with the swiftness of his limbs, nor with any nimble displays of fancy maneuvering. He plods, he stuffs a jab in your face and leaves it dangling there, and he looks for openings for the heavy right hand, which is a formidable blow, and his preferred tool. In the process, if you're keeping your guard up, he'll gladly tide himself over by hitting your torso instead. He isn't afraid in the least of taking collateral shots himself.

Merhy has a few more wrinkles to his game but is also not exactly a speed demon. He's the smaller and more slightly built (yet still chiseled & fit) cruiser but is more creative with his modes of attack. He also packs the bigger punch, IMO. Defensively, they are difficult to split as Goulamirian is quite basic and predictable with his extended left arm used to obstruct, push, and blind while exhibiting very little head movement - whereas Merhy is more prone to gambits, relying on his upper-body elasticity & slick reflexive abilities that have so far not bitten him in the ass.

 

A glimpse of all four principals in their last outings...

Goulamirian vs. Hamilton Ventura:

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Merhy vs. Nick Kisner:

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Soro vs. Ivan Montero:

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Vera, Jr. vs. Sunday Ajuwa:

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This is a solid card, and both co-features ought to be competitive but I predict the Ivory Coast team goes 2-for-2...both most likely via decision. (perhaps as close as split/majority)

 

I originally intended only to do a Michel Soro vs. John Vera thread but the more I researched the card the more the co-feature began to fascinate me, so this one got spun out as it seemed to deserve its own poll & spotlight.

The junior middle contest is still my higher viewing priority by far but this one could be a barrel of fun.

 

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Can we get a Francophone in here to provide translation?

 

So it turns out Goulamirian vs. Merhy is billed as the main event, set to air live on Canal+ from 8:55pm local time (3:55pm EST)

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Soro and Vera, meanwhile, should be in the ring no later than 8pm local time (3pm EST)

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