Kim Clavel (17-2, 3 KOs) suffered the second defeat of her career on Saturday night, but she’s convinced that the judges got it wrong in her title fight with IBF, WBO light flyweight world champion Evelin Bermudez (19-1-1, 6 KOs), who walked away with both belts by way of a ten round split decision.
Yvon Michel, who promotes Clavel, lashed out at judge Benoit Roussel from Gatineau who scored 96-94 in favor of Bermudez, as did Frank Lombardi from Chicago. Bill Lerch of Connecticut handed a 98-92 card to Clavel.
“Kim boxed responsibly and defensively,” insisted Michel to The Montreal Journal. “She landed more often; she controlled the action. On the other hand, [Bermudez and her team] were discouraged after the fight. Kim was smart and brilliant. It’s her best career performance and for me, she’s the best boxer in the division, she’s just not a champion.”
Clavel plans to march forward to secure another world title fight.
“I already had a boyfriend who cheated on me and it hurt less than it does now,” Clavel told The Montreal Journal.
“In the corner, when I finished the 10th round, I felt like I had it. I didn’t have any injuries, I was in control the whole time. She sometimes finished the rounds strong, but you don’t win [a whole round] in [the last] ten seconds. It’s definitely not over. I’m world class, I’m a world champion. I am able to unify the titles, I have not plateaued. “I’m not taking anything away from Bermudez, but I have more tools and I’m more strategic than her.
“I’m angry and disappointed, but I’m so proud of my performance. t was my 19th fight and I think it was my most strategic.”
This is a second defeat in a world championship fight for Clavel, who also lost a decision against Yesica Nery Plata last January in a duel where the WBA and WBC world titles were at stake.
“I might have had a rematch with Plata and a chance to unify the four belts, but all that is delayed because of this decision,” Clavel said.