On May 30, the Uzetian boxer will compete in an IBA world championship against Moroccan Mahjouba Oubtil. A historic meeting for Uzès and a new stage in the quest for titles for the Gardoise.
European champion, WBC world champion, Émilie Sonvico puts on the gloves for a new global challenge. On Saturday May 30, the Uzetian boxer will fight at the Trintignant Hall, in her city, where she won the European title last July. This time, it is an IBA world welterweight belt which will be at stake against the Moroccan Mahjouba Oubtil.
In Uzès, the event has already taken on a special dimension. The world belt arrived in the ducal city and was presented this Monday at the town hall during a press conference. A strong symbol for a city which will host, for the first time, such a poster.
“Organizing such an event in Uzès is a first. It’s a great opportunity that we were able to seize thanks to the good ranking of Émilie and the help of the City and the community of communes of Pays de Sommières.”underlines Salem Maharzi, coach of the Gard champion.
“Like in a cocoonâ€
Less than two weeks before the fight, Émilie Sonvico is already fully focused on her appointment on May 30. And boxing at home changes a lot of things for the woman who has spent a long time in the rings far from Gard: “I have traveled a lot. Boxing at home is something else. This allows me to keep my routine, to go to the gym which is very close to my house. I have my benchmarks there, my training partners. I’m there like in a cocoon. And the day before the fight, I will have the chance to sleep at home. HAS” A precious serenity in the final straight of the preparation.
Final adjustments before weighing
Last April, the Uzétienne had already returned to the ring with a victory in Roquemaure. A useful recovery fight before this global deadline. Now it’s time for final adjustments and weight management. On Friday May 29, during the official weigh-in, the scale must not exceed 66.678 kilos. “I’m almost there and I’m not worried about that,†assures the boxer.
A step towards unification
Opposite, Mahjouba Oubtil will not be an insignificant opponent. The Moroccan, now based in Italy, participated in the London Olympic Games in 2012. “When we get to this level, it’s not by chance,” recalls Salem Maharzi.
But Émilie Sonvico prefers to stay focused on her own objective. More than just a fight, this IBA belt represents a new stage in a larger ambition: world unification.
Already holder of the WBC title, the Gardoise wants to continue her collection. “We will still have to go for the IBO and IBF titles”she says.
On May 30, in Uzès, it will not only be a question of a home fight, but of a new chapter in the global trajectory of a boxer who does not intend to stop there.
F. P.
Eight fights on the program
If the fight between Emilie Sonvico and Mahjouba Oubtil will be the highlight of the evening, eight fights in total will be on the program on May 30, Trintignant room. This will start at 8 p.m. On the program: three professional fights and five amateurs with, in the ring, numerous athletes from the Uzetien boxing club. The doors will open at 6 p.m. to allow spectators who also love football to follow the Champions League final between Paris Saint Germain and Arsenal on a giant screen.
Prices for the evening: 30 euros, 20 euros, 15 euros for children, partner tables by reservation. Info on 06 77 55 42 87.Â
